The Shala Daily

YOGA • PHILOSOPHY • LIFE

July 20, 2026
🎬

Kiss of the Spider Woman: Ashtanga, Authoritarianism and Art

Michael Joel Hall recounts his visit to the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights to watch a Spanish production of ‘Kiss...

🕉️ KEY CONCEPTS

saṅgha
Community; spiritual fellowship
sevā
Selfless service to others
dharma
Right action; moral duty
ahiṃsā
Non-harming; compassion for all beings
Slide Deck · Kiss of the Spider Woman: Ashtanga, Authoritarianism and Art
Slide 1

Michael Joel Hall recounts his visit to the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights to watch a Spanish production of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ He reflects on the themes of deception, honesty, and betrayal within the play and draws parallels to his experiences in the federal government, nonprofits, and his Ashtanga yoga community. Hall discusses the damaging impact of small betrayals by well-meaning but mediocre people in positions of power and stresses the importance of radical honesty as a countermeasure to authoritarian tendencies. He concludes by highlighting the importance of integrity in maintaining the spiritual health of a community.

From Video: Kiss of the Spider Woman: Ashtanga, Authoritarianism and Art on michaeljoelhall.com

Carousel · Shala Daily
1/5

"Michael Joel Hall recounts his visit to the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights to watch a Spanish production of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ He reflects on the themes of deception, honesty, and betrayal within the play and draws parallels to his experiences in the federal government, nonprofits, and his Ashtanga yoga community. Hall discusses the damaging impact of small betrayals by well-meaning but mediocre people in positions of power and stresses the importance of radical honesty as a countermeasure to authoritarian tendencies."

— MJH

Michael Joel Hall recounts his visit to the Gala Theater in Columbia Heights to watch a Spanish production of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ He reflects on the themes of deception, honesty, and betrayal within the play and draws parallels to his experiences in the federal government, nonprofits, and his Ashtanga yoga community.

— MJH
Original Article: "Video: Kiss of the Spider Woman: Ashtanga, Authoritarianism and Art" by Michael Joel Hall, michaeljoelhall.com

Not sure where to start?

Chat with the intake assistant — tell it about your practice and it’ll point you to what fits.

Talk to the Intake Bot →