What I liked
Powerful is not a a strong enough word to describe the text and dance – especially the dance! What fantastic choreo, abhinaya, and blending of worlds through Indian stories with western music that felt made for each other. These conversations are so important, and I’m so grateful to have been witness to the start of one with this show. You could feel the audience identifying with Mayuri and/or noting moments of reflecting on tendencies of their own or people they know in the commercial yoga world. This was especially possible because even mythological stories were grounded in relatable character types.
What I didn't like
I think there is something really powerful in hearing someone speak in their native language without having to translate it and just having that be a special thing that only those who are of the culture understand, so I would love to see a version where that isn’t catered as much to audience who may not get it. But I loved it regardless!
My overall impression
One of the best shows I have seen at Fringe. Mayuri uses powerful storytelling in the forms of monologues, impeccable dances, and music to make the audience question the commercialization and appropriation of yoga in the West. As a South Asian audience member, many parts moved me to tears as I felt so seen in the unique perspective of being a consumer of a form of spirituality and movement that was taken from our people/that we were mocked for and is now being sold back to us. A powerful piece from Start to finish that I hope can inspire people to reflect on their own role in this system of cooptation and try to find deeper and authentic interpretations of yoga.
