About the Show

In a Tokyo sumo stable, six wrestlers clash over ambition, honor, and the dreams they chase.

Six wrestlers grapple with ambition, honor, and identity in an elite Tokyo sumo stable. Akio, a driven 18-year-old, arrives expecting glory but soon faces brutal challenges from his fellow wrestlers and the high stakes of sponsorship and survival. As bodies collide and futures hang in the balance, these men struggle to shape themselves—and one another—into the champions they long to become.

Lisa Sanaye Dring’s SUMO offers a rare, thrilling glimpse into the sacred world of sumo, brought to life under the direction of Obie Award winner Ralph B. Peña.

Critic Reviews (8)

"For long stretches, it feels more like a fuzzy nature documentary than a play."
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3 stars-"The play is a solid contender, but it doesn't have quite enough surprising moves"
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"Sumo’s character arcs are compelling, if somewhat predictable."
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"...the sensory landscape of Sumo is carefully and caringly crafted"
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"...often seems at odds with itself"
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As a theatrical experience,...it’s recommended.
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"...'SUMO' gives us a glimpse of a world most of us wouldn’t otherwise see"
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deep dive into Japan’s national sport by way of a conventional Karate Kid-style framework
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Cast and creative team