Review: The Anti “Yogi”, Soho Theatre

Living out in Los Angeles might sound idyllic for some, but it is barely a couple of minutes into this enthralling and insightful work that Mayuri Bhandari becomes frustrated with those around her. This is due to attending a Yoga class run by an individual who clearly does not know what she is doing and believes it is all about contorting limbs in increasingly extreme ways. Worse still is that she fails to pronounce even simple words and phrases properly, and the important message that yoga is supposed to teach is ignored and replaced by meaningless hippy-ish nonsense.

That’s far from the only problematic aspect to the Yoga class as well; there’s also a sliver of deeply unpleasant casual racism as everyone expects Bhandari to be the teacher rather than a student because of her cultural background. Plus, capitalism rears its always ugly little head as it becomes clearer and clearer that the class is less about the core principle of unity, and more about cashing in on an increasingly lucrative industry.

Accompanied on stage by percussionist Neel Agrawal, his live soundtrack skilfully allows Bhandari to leap from one character or idea to another at an almost breakneck speed. The Anti “Yogi” would perhaps benefit from occasionally slowing down and examining some of its ideas in a little more depth, but only occasionally, as the majority of this production is captivating and emotive work. Tonally playful, along with the music, the inventive lighting design allows her to mix moods and atmospheres to great effect. So while at one point she may be fierce and angry about the terrible way she and her family have been treated over the years, the next she is mimicking one of the Hindu Gods and dealing with the situation in a sharp, pointed, but also very funny manner.

As well as a journey of personal discovery, this fascinating theatrical jigsaw explores the many ways Yoga has been the victim of cultural appropriation by the West, with America taking the majority of the blame, though Britain understandably is also singled out. It is impossible not to empathise with Bhandari given some of the awful examples of the above, especially when she comments on the way clothing company Lululemon have cynically exploited it and made billions out of their clothing line, despite employing child labour.

This isn’t a show which lectures its audience, despite the anger expressed. It’s a very playful creation where Bhandari celebrates her cultural heritage, including her love of Bollywood songs, what wearing a bindi means to her, and the most important aspect of Yoga. And despite her irritation with the United States, it is also there where she sees how Yoga is practised in ways which aid people in incredibly important ways.

The ending is a mixture of riveting light and shade, where one moment she is taunting the audience in the guise of the Goddess Kali and the next celebrating those who make important differences to this world. Her joy is infectious indeed, and despite all of her struggles in L.A., this remarkable piece ends on an alluring moment of optimism.

Written by Mayuri Bhandari
Directed by Shyamala Moorty and D’Lo
Music Composed and Live Percussion by Neel Agrawal
Produced by Blue Quill Collective

The Anti “Yogi” runs at the Soho Theatre until Saturday 16 May.