Discover ‘The Anti Yogi’: A Unique Theatrical Experience at Zephyr Theatre

The highly acclaimed performance, The Anti “Yogi”, is set to return for an encore performance at the Zephyr Theatre on August 11th at 7:30 PM. This unique show, produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson and directed by D’Lo and Shyamala Moorty, has already garnered significant attention and accolades during its initial run at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2024.

A Journey Beyond Traditional Yoga

The Anti “Yogi” is not your typical yoga narrative. The show challenges the stereotypical image of a yogi as a skinny woman in Lululemon attire, renouncing worldly life in pursuit of truth. Instead, it presents a more nuanced exploration of yoga through the eyes of Mayuri Bhandari, a yoga professor experiencing an identity crisis. As she navigates her teaching practice, she questions whether her purpose extends beyond merely educating others about yoga. The performance delves into these existential questions with the help of the Goddess of Death, Kali, who aids Mayuri in investigating the absurdities of Western yoga culture.

Accolades and Recognition

The show has been a resounding success, winning several prestigious awards at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2024, including the Fringe Award for Dance and Physical Theatre and the Zephyr’s Zest Award. It was also nominated for the Fringe Award for World Premiere and received exchange awards from both the Denver and Sydney Fringe Festivals. Tracey Paleo from Gia On The Move lauded The Anti “Yogi” as the “best show at Hollywood Fringe this year.”

Mayuri Bhandari: A Multifaceted Talent

Mayuri Bhandari, the star of The Anti “Yogi”, is a remarkable talent. She is the first South Asian figure skater to showcase figure skating on Indian National Television and is a national figure skating champion. Her YouTube channel, “Bollywood On Ice,” boasts 55,000 subscribers, while her TikTok account, featuring yoga comedy and skating, has 20,000 followers. Mayuri’s short film BINDI has received recognition at film festivals in Athens, Berlin, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Additionally, her work has been featured at the United Nations Women’s Event in Los Angeles.

Mayuri has appeared in numerous Indian TV shows, including Dare 2 Dance, and has worked with Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Hrithik Roshan. Her acting credits extend to popular film and television shows like Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix), Dave (FX/Hulu), Rebel (ABC), Nightingale (Prime), 911: Lone Star (FOX), and Just Dance (Star Plus). She has also lent her voice to major productions like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Sony), Ms. Marvel (Disney), and Shantaram (Apple).

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to attend the encore performance of The Anti “Yogi” at the Zephyr Theatre, we recommend arriving at least 20 minutes early to secure parking, as the surrounding residential areas have specific parking regulations. The venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this thought-provoking show.

For occasional travelers, we suggest exploring the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles. The city is home to numerous theaters, galleries, and cultural events that offer a glimpse into its rich artistic heritage. For expert travelers, consider delving deeper into the local yoga community. Los Angeles boasts a diverse range of yoga studios and workshops that provide a more authentic experience of this ancient practice.

In conclusion, The Anti “Yogi” is a must-see performance that challenges conventional perceptions of yoga and offers a unique blend of dance, dramedy, and poetry. Whether you are a yoga enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging theatrical experience, this show promises to leave a lasting impression.