What will life be like, 500 years hence? Free of pollution, free of traffic concerns, replete with artificial intelligence, diseaseless in antiseptic surroundings? Will human emotions manage to sustain all the strain of modern advances? Take a pause and think no futher, just watch LIFE 2.0, the futuristic Marathi play that was staged during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2025.
It is envisaged that people will be able to extend their lifespan to purchase LIFE 2.0 with life points. This second life is a privilege that few can afford, many strive to accumulate the required points for buying it and there is a third group that subscribes to 'one life' ideology, they will lead a regular mortal existence like we do now.
So here is a love story amidst such a life situation - 25-year-old Advait with one life, meets 421- year-old Priti with multiple life extensions on a holographic date. They fall in love desperately, but there is a clash of opinions over extending lives. While Priti is ready to buy him a new lease of LIFE 2.0, Advait is not quite convinced about it. The tangled emotions and conflicting ideologies churn tumultuous dilemmas for the lovers. In that future where logic rules and self-preservation becomes imminent" can there be an O Henry like surprise ending to the tale? Human emotions are indeed unpredictable now and so will they be even then!
The very idea of buying another lifetime is still an elusive, romantic fantasy but if there were an elixir of life in the future" the prospects are mind boggling. Will it not result in deification of self, leading to erosion of human ethics and values? Playwright Shashank Jadhav initiates an enticing debate, director Girish Sawant presents a lucid narrative of this complex set up through simplistic sets sans backdrops. He relies on dialogue, smoke and lighting to enhance the dramatic impact of the play. Shashank and Priyal, the lead players lend a stoic dignity to their parts through restrained portrayal while Ashlesha, Prathamesh and Shubham lend able support. Instead of regular formal wear, could 'futuristic' costume design have lent an additional sparkle ? Afterall, a smart plot can use an occasional sprinkle of glamour! But then this is an experimental play that chooses to remain innovative in spirit and not mere appearance. Kudos to Occipital Productions for not allowing tinsel provocations to tarnish the narrative!
Deepa Karmalkar (A senior journalist, features writer and reviewer who is now a keen yoga trainer.)