Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#16): Mayuri Bhandari, THE ANTI “YOGI”: LIBERATION, NOT LULULEMON

23 Jun

Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives who are preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we dive into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect. Today we’re joined by writer and performer Mayuri Bhandari who tells us about The Anti “Yogi”: Liberation, Not Lululemon.

1. Can you begin by telling us about The Anti Yogi and what inspired it?

The Anti “Yogi”: Liberation, Not Lululemon is a compelling theatrical critique of Westernized yoga culture, told through the lens of an Indian American artist and yoga professor. As someone who comes from the very culture these practices originate in, I explore what it means to be a minority within a practice rooted in my own heritage, yet so often commodified in the West. The show dives deep into the complexities of cultural appropriation, identity, and spirituality.

This is not just a performance, it’s a critical intervention. Through dance, comedy, drama, multimedia, poetry, and live percussion (with renowned musician Neel Agrawal), I navigate personal and cultural tensions alongside the powerful presence of the Hindu goddess Kali. As a symbol of both destruction and renewal, Kali helps underscore the potential for decolonizing and reclaiming our cultural heritage. I wanted to create something that doesn’t just discuss these issues but lets people feel them, whether or not they’ve personally experienced them.

So much of this show is rooted in my real-life experiences of finding myself as the only brown person in the room and experiencing microaggressions in spaces where my culture was being discussed. —It took years to name and unpack those feelings, but eventually I recognized that what I was feeling was part of a larger issue—a pattern of cultural erasure and silencing of South Asian voices.

Even though I teach these topics at the university level, I realized that discussing them intellectually wasn’t enough. As an artist and storyteller, I needed to channel this into my work.

What’s been amazing is getting to combine all the art forms I love into one space—to tell a story through rhythm, live sound, visual poetry, movement, and character. I’m a mover, so being able to use my body to express emotion, portray multiple characters, and capture the full sentiment of the piece has been so fulfilling. I created this work for everyone—but especially for South Asians and people of color to feel seen, to connect, and to reflect on the erasure of our own histories. Our voices are much needed in this space.

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

I premiered my very first production at the Hollywood Fringe last year, and the experience was incredible—I was truly grateful and touched by the response from so many different communities. After that, many people recommended bringing the show to Edinburgh- I’ve heard so much about the Fringe and the kind of energy, community, opportunity, and creativity it brings, and I wanted this show to be a part of that.

I’m excited to share this work with new audiences, especially those who might not always see themselves represented—South Asian folks, people of color, the yoga community, and anyone craving something a little different. I want this show to help expand the space for those voices, and also bring something new to those who may not know anything about this topic at all- this show is truly for everyone!

Also, so many amazing works have come out of the Fringe—like Fleabag and Baby Reindeer. That kind of artistic evolution really inspired me. I'm here to grow as an artist and see where this show can go.

3. How would you describe the show in three words?

Captivating, cheeky, and awakening

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

I hope audiences leave having laughed, learned something new, and carrying something they can apply to their own lives. This show is meant to be felt, not just intellectually understood..At its core, it’s a call to action — not just a mirror for reflection, but a challenge to examine our own ignorance, through heart, humour and depth.

The show unpacks the colonised history of yoga and how Western spaces often continue that legacy, sometimes without realising it. Yoga has been reduced from a sacred, spiritual practice to a trendy workout — and if we were truly embodying its ethics, we’d see more activism and accountability. But beyond labels, yoga is about returning to our essence — who we are beneath roles, conditioning, and tradition.

I hope South Asian audiences feel a sense of recognition and reconnection, and that yoga communities are inspired to look deeper and take more responsibility. More than anything, I hope people leave having felt something — moved, challenged, maybe even awakened.

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

It'll be my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe, but the most important thing for me is finding some time for myself. Whether it be a moment outside engaging with nature or elsewhere doing a little dance, movement with my headphones in, or eyes closed in stillness and silence, focusing on my breath. It’s really important to reflect amongst the creativity and chaos, and I find journaling these experiences to be very powerful too.

6. Where and when can people see your show?

Aug 1-23 daily (except Sundays) at 12:30pm daily at Greenside’s George St Theatre, we’ll be in Jade Studio. https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-anti-yogi