The Anti "Yogi" | Soho Theatre

The Anti "Yogi" is a powerful one woman show written and performed by Mayuri Bhandari, that tackles the westernisation of yoga as it becomes one of the most mainstream and fastest growing industries in recent years. Co-directed by Shyamala Moorty and D'Lo, the show highlights how something once sacred has become overrun by consumerism, through live percussions (Neel Agrawal), dance, movement, yoga, song, and performance. 

The Anti "Yogi" interrogates the origins of Yoga; tracing back its history alongside the colonisation of India. As Bhandari reminisces the humble origins, she proceeds to explain that yoga was never just about exercise or physical well-being; but about discipline, meditation, peace and mental well-being. Bhandari continues to teach audiences about the terminology that is often misappropriated, misunderstood and most frustratingly, mispronounced, which is often thrown about in a yoga class, treating each word with the reverence that it deserves. Bhandari's satirical take on a mainstream yoga class/yoga retreat is hilarious. 

Bhandari takes this a step further, by bringing to life Hindu and Jain Gods, Goddesses and spiritual teacher, including them in the conversation. Bhandari, whilst providing audiences with enough information to understand these almighty powers, does provide them with a more relatable air as they speak with a Gen-Z vocabulary or an LA accent. Bhandari also weaves in smaller moments of everyday vulnerability as she perfectly encapsulates the stifling of one's culture for fear of attacks; a feeling only all too familiar in any immigrant household. 

Bhandari's performance is exquisite as she switches between exaggerated American accents, to taking on the larger than life personas of Gods Krishna, Buddha and most incredibly, Goddess Kali. Bhandari's infectious energy and irrefutable charm wins the audience from the get go. Bhandari is at the very least a triple threat performer as she showcases her gorgeous singing, her captivating dance, and a performance that resonates with audiences; not to mention being the writer of the show. 

The show, at this performance, attracted quite a diverse demographic, most notably an older group of Indian women who were howling with laughter, dancing along in their seats, cheering loudly and moved to tears. The Anti "Yogi" may appear to be a show that educates non-Indian audiences about the truth of yoga; but it is also so much more than that. It's a reflection of the culture and the pride that its younger generation still carries with them; a true love letter to those who bring their past with them into the future. 

The Anti "Yogi" is a cutting show that manages to make the audiences both laugh and think, with a strong sense of self-awareness. The show starts in a yoga class and small setbacks begin to pile up as Mayuri, the only Indian attendee, becomes the scapegoat to explaining and correcting any errors that occur. This spills over into everyday life, with Mayuri's monologues about accountabilities and diversity potentially inflicting more harm than good. Bhandari acknowledges the advancements in place, and yet more deeply understands the weariness that other cultures must carry in a way that is rarely seen on stage with such refreshing honesty. 

The show, whilst primarily spoken and performed, also includes moments of song and dance (and of course a hint of the Bollywood glamour that really excites audiences). Bhandari, with the use of a simple shawl and skirt over her yoga clothes, demonstrates her precision as a classical dancer, complete with the kajal (mascara) around her eyes and sharp expressions. However, it is when she embodies the Goddess Kali that she is at her best. Accompanied by glowing red lighting (Nick Foran) and live percussions by Agrawal, Bhandari is unstoppable as she twirls, jumps and dances into the stunned silence of the audience as an almighty figure. Agrawal becomes an invaluable part of the show with his drum kit set up on stage; yet still manages to bring out a wide array of instruments, including the Tabla that is used throughout the show, creating a richer sound. 

The show uses projections well, whether it's Bollywood clips, a striking silhouette of the Goddess Kali and Buddha, or a well timed zoom call between three "prominent figures of yoga" (videography by Kenny Johnston). Although only an hour, Bhandari manages to take audiences on an educational and emotional rollercoaster as she is nearly reduced to tears after an unplanned and wholesome reaction from an older woman in the front row, who had clearly felt seen by the show. 

The Anti "Yogi", already an award-winning show, is a moving piece about the resilience of Indian culture. Come for the humour and stay for the heart; for this show is a must watch. 

The Anti "Yogi" is currently playing at the Soho Theatre until 16th May - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by AJV Fotoworks