This was a show I wandered into with a spare hour between my pre-planned Fringe picks. No expectations, no agenda — just an open mind and a willingness to be taken wherever it wanted to go.
The preamble reads: Are you worthy of the Goddess’s blessings? Or her wrath? Join Mayuri Bhandari and Kali, the Goddess of Death, as they navigate the absurdities of Western Yoga culture. Liberation, not Lululemon! This award-winning Hollywood Fringe show blends dance, drama, comedy, poetry and live percussion by renowned musician Neel Agrawal. Mayuri gives voice to the true ethos of yoga, weaving together cultural appropriation, decolonisation and community.
The stage was quietly striking before the show began — a drum kit ready for action, yoga props neatly arranged, and a table scattered with intriguing artefacts. There was a sense that every object had a story.
When Mayuri stepped on stage, we were immediately drawn into her world. Her yoga poses alone could make a personal trainer envious, but this wasn’t simply a physical showcase — it was layered storytelling. Through dance, music, and poetic monologue, she unravelled perspectives on culture, identity, and the ethics we often overlook. Her themes ranged from environmental responsibility to the commercialisation of spiritual practice, encouraging the audience to look deeper.
Her dance was both a joy to watch and a lesson in control — one moment fluid and meditative, the next bursting with energy. Direct eye contact with audience members created a personal connection, making the performance feel intimate despite its universal themes.
The show was beautifully structured, with moments that reached true brilliance. There were occasional dips in energy where the intensity didn’t quite hold, but these were outweighed by the strength of the overall performance.
This was a thoughtful, visually engaging and culturally resonant piece that left the audience with more to reflect on than when they arrived. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it — for me, a strong 4 stars.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-anti-yogi
About the Author
