In a bold move set to challenge audiences and provoke laughter, the National Theatre of Parramatta and La Boite Theatre are joining forces to present the Australian premiere of Yoga Play at Riverside Theatres Parramatta this October. Written by Dipika Guha and directed by Mina Morita, this satirical comedy promises to stretch more than just muscles as it takes aim at consumerism and cultural appropriation in the world of athleisure.
The play centres on Joan, the newly appointed CEO of fictional yoga apparel giant Jojomon, as she grapples with plummeting sales and the aftermath of a scandal that toppled her predecessor. As Joan's attempts to salvage the business grow increasingly desperate, audiences are taken on a journey that blends screwball comedy with biting social commentary.
Director Mina Morita, known for her international work, brings her vision to this Australian production. "Dipika's brilliance and wisdom have inspired me for over a decade," Morita states, praising Guha's ability to craft "sharply hilarious exploration of corporate 'authenticity'" within the context of yoga's spiritual foundations and the ubiquitous yoga pants.
The cast features a lineup of comedic talent, including Andrea Moor, Nat Jobe, Jemwel Danao, Camila Ponte Alvarez, and Thomas Larkin. Their performances will be enhanced by the creative contributions of James Lew (costume and set design), Kate Baldwin (lighting design), and Wil Hughes (sound design and composition), among others.
Yoga Play has already garnered positive reviews internationally, with the LA Times hailing it as "a well-polished romp... with a sharp cultural bite." Theatrestorm emphasises that while the play encourages thought, its primary aim is to entertain and provoke laughter.
The collaboration between National Theatre of Parramatta and La Boite Theatre underscores the significance of this production. Joanne Kee, NTofP Executive and Creative Producer, expressed enthusiasm for the project, describing it as "funny, yet poignant."
As Yoga Play prepares to make its Australian debut, it promises to offer more than just entertainment. By tackling themes such as cultural appropriation, consumerism, and body image through the lens of the yoga industry, the production aims to engage audiences in a broader conversation about authenticity and corporate ethics in the modern world.
While the play's satirical approach may ruffle some feathers, it also presents an opportunity for self-reflection within the performing arts community and beyond. As Sydney's theatre scene continues to evolve and diversify, productions like Yoga Play play a crucial role in challenging perspectives and fostering dialogue.
Yoga Play opens on October 17th at Riverside Theatres Parramatta. With its blend of humour and social commentary, it stands poised to be a standout production in Sydney's spring theatre season, offering audiences a chance to laugh, think, and perhaps see their lavender-scented yoga pants in a new light.
From 17 th October
Venue: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres – Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta
Tickets: https://nationaltheatreofparramatta.com.au/show/yoga-play/
Box Office: (02) 8839 3399.
NTofP’s accessibly priced Welcome Night ($29* tickets) takes place on Wednesday 23 October (*until allocation exhausted).
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