Sumo: A Theatrical Journey into the Heart of Japan’s Ancient Sport

Introduction to a Unique Theatrical Experience

In the bustling world of New York theater, where audiences have witnessed countless stories and performances, Sumo, a new play by Lisa Sanaye Dring, stands out as a rare and groundbreaking production. Currently being performed at the Public Theater Off Broadway, Sumo transports audiences to a traditional sumo wrestling stable, or heya, in Tokyo. The play delves into the lives of wrestlers, their struggles, their humanity, and the deeply spiritual and ritualistic nature of the sport. What makes this production even more remarkable is its ambitious choreography, which brings the physicality and grace of sumo wrestling to life on stage. The play follows the journey of Akio, a small-statured newcomer to the heya, as he navigates the brutal world of sumo to prove his worth and rise through the ranks. Through his story, Sumo sheds light on the origins of the sport, its connection to Shinto spirituality, and the sacrifices required of its practitioners.

The Creation of a Unique Production

The idea for Sumo was born out of playwright Lisa Sanaye Dring’s fascination with the human stories behind sumo wrestling. Dring, who is of Japanese descent and grew up in Hawaii, first encountered sumo during a visit to Japan after her mother’s death. The experience deeply moved her, helping her feel a connection to her ancestors. As she learned more about the sport, she was struck by the wrestlers’ dedication and the spiritual underpinnings of their craft. “I’m interested in people who use their bodies differently than I use my body,” Dring reflected. “It feels very much linked to me — the fighting and the human story — because their humanity is inside how they fight.”
To bring this story to life, Dring and director Ralph B. Peña faced the challenge of accurately portraying sumo wrestling on stage. Initially, they considered using shadow puppets to represent the wrestlers, but Peña dismissed the idea as a “cop-out.” Instead, they committed to having the actors perform the wrestling moves themselves, hiring two fighting directors to ensure safety, accuracy, and precision. The sumo consultant, James Yaegashi, who grew up in Japan and practices martial arts, emphasized the importance of the fight scenes: “The fights aren’t just a cool thing; they’re actually a very integral part of the story.”

The Play’s Narrative and Cultural Depth

Sumo tells the story of Akio, a young wrestler who joins a heya but is initially dismissed due to his small size. His journey from being an unranked wrestler performing servant-like tasks to becoming one of the group’s strongest combatants is at the heart of the play. Alongside Akio’s personal growth, the production delves into the cultural and spiritual dimensions of sumo wrestling, revealing its origins in Shinto mythology and its rituals. For instance, the play explains that sumo is believed to have originated from a divine battle between two deities who fought to determine the fate of Japan. These elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the sport’s significance.
The staging, designed by Wilson Chin, creates an intimate sumo ring where the wrestlers’ movements are both raw and graceful. The actors’ physicality is a key element of the production, with their size and strength making their collisions feel almost elemental. The New York Times’ chief theater critic, Jesse Green, described the action as “like collisions of planets.” To enhance the authenticity, the play incorporates traditional sumo rituals, such as the ceremonial taiko drumming that punctuates key moments in the performance.

The Actors’ Transformation and Training

Bringing Sumo to life required an extraordinary level of physical and emotional commitment from the cast. Director Ralph B. Peña sought “quadruple threats” — actors who could act, sing, dance, and possess the physicality necessary for sumo wrestling. The casting process took over a year, with actors recruited from Japan, Hawaii, and other locations. Once assembled, the cast underwent rigorous training to master the movements and stances of sumo wrestlers. The early weeks of rehearsals focused on lower-body exercises and drills to build strength and flexibility, as well as the distinctive sumo squat, known as shiko.
Chelsea Pace, the play’s intimacy director, noted that the actors had to unlearn certain instincts. “There’s a really American impulse to be really high in the body,” she said, comparing sumo to sports like football and rugby. “One of the things we’ve had to come back to time and again is ‘Drop your weight.’” To ensure safety, the production incorporated safe words and physical cues, allowing actors to communicate during the choreographed fights. Sports massages were also made available to the cast to help manage the physical toll of the performances.

The Cultural Significance of Sumo

Sumo not only tells a compelling human story but also serves as a cultural bridge, offering audiences a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and foreign. The play’s portrayal of sumo’s traditions and rituals highlights the sport’s spiritual dimensions, from the prohibition on celebrating after a match to the deep respect shown to higher-ranked wrestlers. In one notable scene, the highest-ranked wrestler, Mitsuo, scolds Akio for expressing joy after a victory, reflecting the humility and discipline that define sumo. These moments are not just dramatic devices; they are rooted in the sport’s history and ethos.
The production’s attention to detail extends to its visual and auditory elements. The sumo ring is designed to resemble a traditional heya, and the costumes and props evoke the simplicity and elegance of sumo culture. The ceremonial taiko drummer adds to the immersive atmosphere, drawing audiences deeper into the world of the play. For Scott Keiji Takeda, who plays Akio, the experience of preparing for the role has deepened his appreciation for sumo. “It’s kind of bridging the gap,” he said, “between a sporting event and theater.”

The Play’s Lasting Impact

Sumo is more than just a theatrical production; it’s a celebration of a sport and a culture that is rarely seen on the American stage. The play’s success lies in its ability to balance action and emotion, offering audiences both thrilling fight sequences and a profound exploration of the human spirit. For the actors, the journey has been transformative. David Shih, who plays Mitsuo, the heya’s highest-ranked wrestler, admitted that the physical demands of the role have been intense. “It has been a lifesaver,” he said of the sports massages available to the cast. Despite the challenges, Shih and his fellow actors have gained a newfound respect for sumo and its practitioners.
For Lisa Sanaye Dring, Sumo is a deeply personal work, one that connects her to her heritage and her ancestors. The play’s premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 2023 marked the beginning of its journey, and its current run at the Public Theater is introducing it to a wider audience. As Sumo continues to captivate theatergoers, it not only tells a story about wrestlers but also about the universal themes of perseverance, honor, and the search for meaning. In doing so, it proves that theater can be a powerful medium for exploring even the most unconventional subjects, bridging cultures, and inspiring new appreciation for traditions both old and new.