PANDEMIC! The Musical

The trying times of the pandemic were not a squandering of many pleasant weeks for many among us. Making the best use of the time, many have learnt new skills, tried their hands at activities that have always fascinated them, created something they have always wanted and discovered a new skill they did not realize they possessed. ‘Pandemic!–The Musical’ results from one such discovery where the quest to challenge one’s own limits and to channel one’s energies to create something which stands a testimony to the trying times we have gone through.  

‘Pandemic! The Musical’ is a Lockdown film by Director David L. Bertman. Set to a peppy tune, the musical addresses all the current issues of the time. The film gives us insights into the mind of the common citizen who were locked down in their homes to break the chain of the spread of the virus. Ranging from larger issues of politics and policies, to personal challenges of what to eat and how much toilet paper is enough, the film addresses all such topics that were the centrepieces of discussions during the zoom meetings, another invention which was elevated to superstardom during the pandemic. For a modest production, one cannot but look at awe in the style in which David has essayed the roles of a hundred characters, paying attention to the minutest of details that make each character distinct from the other.

‘Pandemic! The Musical’ is a factual documentation of the issues confronting the average person during the lockdown period. It takes a 360 degree view of the situation and looks at the different perspectives in prevalence. Ranging from the anxiety of not receiving the stimulus cheque, to the shock of watching domestic abuse next door over a video chat, the film is a playful take at these tough times. And as an ultimate tribute to the pandemic that caused it all, the director shares screen space with the Virus during the end credits.