NAMASTE! opens Friday 16th October at the Golden Goose Theatre, inviting audiences to join Gina’s ever changing world of yoga. Learn more about to you can expect:
1: What inspired the creation of NAMASTE?
Back just post lockdown, we both worked as receptionists at a top London yoga studio. As both of us had been thrown into this world, there are so many fun quirks and eccentricities that just make it the perfect place to write a sitcom about. We also both thought that a yoga studio provides a great springboard to explore pressing issues in society today, such as the hypocrisies of the wellness industry and the growing generational divide between faithfulness to tradition and the allure of new trends on social media. So back in 2023, we started collaborating after we both started writing a sitcom about a yoga studio – after all, receptionists see EVERYTHING
2: What do you think is the funniest contradiction within modern yoga culture?
The fact that yoga is meant to be calm and relaxing is the funniest thing – we’ve seen people shouted at in classes, people frantically running to their yoga class. The fact that yoga is meant to be about connecting with yourself but it can digress into a Lululemon catwalk into the class. There is a saying – those who practice are the ones who need it the most. And oh how true that is….
3: The show asks whether tradition or TikTok will come out on top. Which side are you on?
We think it’s important to have an understanding and respect for the traditions that a practice is based in but also recognise we need to leave room for practices to evolve over time. Yes. That’s right. Call us Switzerland.
4: Why was AI-generated yoga content something you wanted to explore?
We feel like if you looked up the antithesis of yoga in a dictionary, we’re pretty sure AI would be there. Yoga is about inner reflection and self awareness, whereas with AI we stop using our brain. On top of this, with the harm AI does to the planet, it juxtaposes everything yoga is about regarding connection with nature. This is why we felt we wanted to explore the tension created when these two meet.
5: What do you hope audiences take away from the production?
For one we hope that audiences can have an evening of laughter, fun and entertainment, which we think is much needed in these times. We’d like people to reflect on the accessibility of yoga, to embrace diversity in yoga studios and think about supporting independent yoga studios. We want the audience to feel the sense of community that yoga can create and to feel inspired to practice, no matter what experience level they’re at.
6: What has been the most enjoyable part about creating NAMASTE!?
Oh there are too many. From casting our PHENOMENAL actors, bringing together our creative team, to hearing our words being brought to life for the first time, it reinforces our feeling that we have something really special and we can’t wait to share it with everyone!
NAMASTE! opens Friday 16th October at the Golden Goose Theatre. Many thanks to Ben Everett Riley for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
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