Written by Dipika Guha, Yoga Play at Riverside Theatres Parramatta invites you into the workplace of yoga apparel store Jojomon and into the lives of it’s staff. There’s Fred (Jemwel Danao) a queer man from the Philippines who is desperate to obtain a green card and stay in America, CFO Raj (Nat Jobe) a man searching for meaning in his life and newly appointed CEO Joan (Andrea Moor) who was hired to re-establish the brand after a scandal with its predecessor.
After another scandal breaks which exposes some unsavoury work practices involving child labour, Joan and her team must devise a plan to save the company’s reputation. They decide their best bet is to find a guru who can bring authenticity back to the brand. However, in this world of intention setting and downward dog, nothing is as it seems.
Providing a satirical view of the yogic community in California, Yoga Play was peppered with funny moments, in particular, Raj’s phone call with his parents and basically every scene that involved Camila Ponte Alvarez as yoga teacher Romola. Humourous scenes were juxtaposed with more serious ones, such as when Fred admits that if he doesn’t get a visa and is sent home, he will be persecuted for being gay. This contrast felt jarring and disjointed at times.
Directed by Mina Morita, the play touches on numerous topics, but never really settles on one. Is it about cultural appropriation or child labour or capitalism of the wellness industry? Is it simply a well crafted parody of yogic stereotypes or a deeper reflection on reconnecting to the self? Could it be all of the above? While I do believe a play can be multifaceted with its meaning, it’s overarching purpose appears confused.
Described as a “laugh-out-loud night at the theatre”, Yoga Play did supply the audience with many moments of hilarity, but I can’t help but feel it was meant to be funnier. Some moments were drawn out far too long, in particular the scene right before the interval, and with a runtime that stretches over 2 hours, it began to feel long.
Credit to the cast who produced a convincing and polished performance, with the dynamic between the practical and time-poor Joan and the spiritual and very intentional Romola, producing some of the funniest moments. James Lew’s set design perfectly encapsulated the calm and serene atmosphere you would expect of a yoga business and contrasted well against the drama which unfolds there.
Like a yogi trying to achieve tree pose and just not quite getting their balance right, Yoga Play didn’t quite hit the sweet spot it was aiming for.
TWO AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Yoga Play will play at Riverside Theatres Parramatta until 26 October 2024. For more information and to buy tickets head to the Riverside Theatres website.
Reviewer attended on 23 October 2024.
