In the dimly-lit theatre of life, where the boundaries of existence blur, two stories unfold. One soul, burdened by the desire to lighten life’s load, seeks solace in the final act of freewill. The other is bound by survival’s unyielding chains, unable to afford the luxury of surrender.
These characters delve into the contradictions of life, existence, and more, beautifully woven together in one of Serendipity Arts Festival’s most popular plays, Jump, directed and written by Maneesh Verma.
ABOUT JUMP
Inspired by Larry Pontius’ Umbrella, Jump explores profound themes of suicide, depression, loneliness and love.
It unravels a thought-provoking and emotional conversation between two seemingly unrelated strangers, engaging in a discourse about existence, challenges, struggles and aspirations.
REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE
Currently residing in Mumbai, the city of dreams, director and writer, Maneesh Verma, chose to craft a dark comedy rooted in personal experience.
Reflecting on a past event, he shares, “Last year, I was training for a summit when the Uttarkashi avalanche occurred. Out of 33 individuals prepared for the summit, 27 lost their lives. Unable to proceed due to high blood pressure, witnessing the loss of 27 lives compelled me to question life.”
Despite not believing in god, karma, luck, or destiny, this experience prompted Verma to question life itself.
He illustrates that death, inevitable for all, transcends personal achievements, and this existential inquiry forms the essence of the play. The narrative weaves questions about societal classes and existence into a fabric of dark comedy.
ACTING THE WAY FORWARD
Verma sheds light on the play’s characters, with actress Vidushi Chadha portraying a successful female entrepreneur in her 30s, contemplating the end despite her triumphs. In contrast, actor Sandeep Shikar, embodying a cab driver, offers a divergent perspective on life.
While Jump draws inspiration from Umbrella, Verma emphasises its uniqueness. The notion of two people meeting on a rooftop may be inspired, but the play unfolds differently.
“These characters, both in their 30s and 40s, engage in a focused and evolved conversation, having navigated the complexities of life. It is not teens we are talking about here; we are talking about people who are mature, who have seen it all. They get into this one-hour-long conversation and talk about the most serious issues with a tinge of seriousness,” Verma elaborates.
Verma acknowledges that in India, mental health remains a taboo. “We don’t know how to talk about it; it is often looked upon as sad and depressing. We have tried to put it in the form of black comedy,” he adds, highlighting the play’s unique approach to addressing sensitive issues.
VIBE WITH CITY LIFE
Maneesh Verma, originally from Uttar Pradesh having later moved to Delhi for studies and Mumbai for work, reflects on the profound impact city life had on him.
In the intricate weave of urban existence, he discovers captivating stories within the city’s walls—stories that are rich, nuanced and ready to be shared.
Verma aims to tell these tales, with Jump being one such narrative presented at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa.
Verma, despite his role as a director, identifies more with being an actor. He describes the actor’s journey as peculiar, stating, “I am primarily an actor, but an actor’s journey is a weird one. In the realm of a struggling actor, time can stretch endlessly, and if you achieve popularity, you find yourself in significant shows. Yet, I am the kind of person who can’t sit idle without work, especially in a city like Bombay, known for its high level of professionalism. It’s akin to continuous work."
I am primarily an actor, but an actor’s journey is a weird one. In the realm of a struggling actor, time can stretch endlessly, and if you achieve popularity, you find yourself in significant shows.
Maneesh Verma, Director and writer of 'Jump'
Highlighting the importance of staying engaged in creative pursuits, Verma explains that, for him, the act of creation is essential for navigating the challenges of city life. “So, from that perspective, I started theatre, acting, writing because of that I act, write and direct, keeping myself busy as an artist,” Verma shares.
His diverse involvement in the arts isn’t just a way to fill his time — it’s a deep and meaningful response to the vibrant rhythm of city life, a dance that weaves together both creation and existence.
