Autobiography of a Yogi. Rafael Álvarez "El Brujo"

Rafael Álvarez "El Brujo" presents his new show, Autobiography of a Yogi, based on the book of the same name, one of the most widely read books in the world, by the great yogi and Hindu guru Paramahansa Yogananda, promoter of Raja Yoga in the West.

General admission: €20 and €16

Advance sale promotion: €18 and €14 (regular discounts not applicable)

Rafael Álvarez has worked with the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda to introduce us to the Hindu master and his quest.

He brought yoga to the West (not only physical yoga) but also "raja yoga," which is what they call it in India: meditation, the science of self-realization. And what does this mean? He explains it clearly and simply with his powerful words, but even more so with his life. Hence the fascination this autobiography held for me. So that you can get to know him, I am putting on this show."

Rafael Álvarez "El Brujo"

THE SHOW

Approximate duration: 95 minutes without intermission

With Rafael Álvarez El Brujo, solo actor, and Javier Alejano, live sitar.

Autobiography of a Yogi became one of the most widely read books in the world and has been included among the 100 best spiritual books of the 20th century. George Harrison considered it a decisive book in his life, and it is said that it was the only book Steve Jobs kept on his iPad. Yogananda arrived in Los Angeles in 1925, and the Los Angeles Times newspaper described him as "the first superstar guru of the 20th century."

The work has been adapted for film several times, and this is the first time it has been staged in Spain. In this text, Paramahansa Yogananda recounts with ease and great humor the incredible events he experienced throughout his life.

I read Autobiography of a Yogi 30 years ago, and it left a deep and lasting impression on me. I was going through a crisis of a professional nature, or so it seemed, but in reality it was something much deeper. Then Yogananda's book, Poetry and Knowledge, fell into my hands.

The life adventure of a man searching for the ultimate mystery of existence and the final certainty of having found it. That is where his search ended. The revelation of God's joy.

The story is endearing, human, simple, and very beautiful. I never forgot this book. Finally, a couple of years ago, a friend gave me another book by Yogananda. I was reading it at home when an inner inspiration set me in motion.

I hope that the wisdom, charm, magic, light, and love in this story will inspire and accompany you.

Rafael Álvarez, THE WIZARD

ARTISTIC CREDITS

RAFAEL ÁLVAREZ "THE WIZARD"

Born in Cordoba and raised in Jaén, he first came into contact with theater in Madrid, at the Corral de Comedias del Colegio Mayor Universitario San Juan Evangelista in 1970. From then on, he regularly collaborated with companies such as Tábano, TEI (Teatro Experimental Independiente) and Teatro Libre de Madrid. In 1988, together with José Luis Alonso de Santos, Gerardo Malla, and Jesús Cimarro, he founded the theater production company Pentación S.A. and in 1995, together with Mª José Norte, he founded his own production company, Producciones El Brujo, S.L., dedicated to the distribution and production of theater and audiovisuals.

He has participated in numerous theatrical productions directed by José Luis Alonso de Santos, Gerardo Malla, Fernando Fernán Gómez, José Carlos Plaza, and José Pascual. Since 1986, he has combined his theatrical work with cinema, where he has been directed by José Luis Garci, Antonio Mercero, Juan Pinzas, Chus Gutiérrez, Juan Manuel Chumilla, Paco Betriu, José Luis Borau, Carlos Saura, and Fernando Fernán Gómez. On television, he has worked with Manuel Andújar, Jaime de Armiñán, and Pedro Masó. He has received numerous awards, including those for Lazarillo de Tormes (Antena 3 Award for Best Theater Performance in 1985 and City of Alicante Audience Association Award in 1986 and 1994) and the 1996 Ercilla Award in Bilbao for Best Performance for La sombra del Tenorio. He has also been awarded the Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts (2002) and the Medal of Andalusia (2012).