David Shih, Ahmad Kamal, Red Concepción , Scott Keiji Takeda, Michael Hisamoto, and Earl T. Kim. Photo by Emma Zordan
Sumo is more than just a sport—it’s a sacred Shinto ritual, an art form, and a test of physical and spiritual endurance. Now, New York audiences have less than two weeks left to witness this powerful tradition brought to life on stage in SUMO, a thrilling new play by Lisa Sanaye Dring. Directed by Obie Award winner Ralph B. Peña, SUMO runs at The Public Theater through March 30, offering a rare opportunity to experience the world of sumo up close.
The play showcases an elite sumo training facility in contemporary Tokyo, where six wrestlers train, eat, and fight to climb the ranks. The protagonist, Akio, is a young newbie accepted into a sumo heya (stable), but before he can step into the ring, he must prove himself through menial work while facing fierce and unofficial training on the side. His journey is both a physical and emotional battle, as he navigates the rigid traditions and expectations of the sport and Scott Keiji Takeda delivers the goods.
“ Lisa Sanaye Dring’s SUMO takes us into the hypermasculine yet deeply spiritual world of sumo wrestling to reveal new facets of this revered sport ,” said Peña , Ma – Yi Theater Company ’s Producing Artistic Director . “ I’m excited to be part of bringing this unique story to life — one that explores strength, identity, and tradition in a way we’ve never seen on stage before. ”
Filipino American theater lovers will be thrilled to note that there are Fil-Ams in the cast—Red Concepción and Kris Bona —and even more behind the scenes, including Peña and composer Fabian Obispo.
Concepcion made his Broadway debut last year, playing the role of Amos Hart in Chicago. His body of work spans over 15 years in the Philippines , including Priscilla, Queen of the Desert , Equus , and Annie , among others. In this play, he is Fumio, one of the six wrestlers and the other half of the subplot that tackled two wrestlers’ platonic and romantic relationship, bringing in some of the play’s more poignant scenes.
Bona on the other hand made his main stage debut at the La Jolla Playhouse in SUMO’s world premiere back in 2023, which he described as “probably the most physical thing I’ve ever had to do in a show.”
The World of Sumo
The audience is immediately introduced to sumo vocabulary—rikishi (wrestlers), honbasho (tournament), and more—through the narration of three Shinto priests, played by Bona, Tolson, and Viet Vo. The play’s dynamic visuals, including projections by Hana Kim, serve as both artistic and educational elements.
We learn about the banzuke, the hierarchy among the wrestlers and the struggle newbies have to go through, including the eventuality of losing friends and dealing with potential sponsors, both during the tournament.
The play is fueled by Shih-Wei Wu’s live taiko drumming, which heightens the intensity of the sumo matches (fight-directed by James Yaegashi and Chelsea Pace). Beyond the high-adrenaline physicality, the play also explores deeply human relationships, particularly through the affecting subplot of Fumio and Ren’s platonic and romantic bond.
“Lisa has written a story that balances the physical aspects of sumo with its spiritual origins. That was what first drew me to SUMO,” Peña said in an interview with NextShark. “Once I accepted the challenge and took a deep dive into the world of sumo, I was struck by the deeply human characters Lisa created and how much I cared about each one of them.”
“It’s rare to find a play that gives each of its characters a clear and compelling arc. That’s probably what resonates with me the most. SUMO is about flawed people doing their best to get as close to god-like as possible.”
Closing Night
Due to overwhelming demand, AANHPI Affinity Night is making a highly anticipated return for the final performance of SUMO at The Public Theater on March 30, 2025, at 7 PM. Following the success of the first affinity night, the event promises to be an unforgettable evening of community, culture, and celebration as the groundbreaking production takes its final bow. Audiences are invited to join the AANHPI theater community in commemorating this powerful story’s journey on stage.
Capping off the night will be a special post-show discussion, Warriors in Art, featuring Katey Acquaro, Gallery Director for Silverlens; Shaun Leonardo, artist and Co-Director of Socrates Sculpture Park; and Herb Tam, Curator and Founder of Chinatown Basketball Club. The panel will explore the intersections of art, identity, and resilience, offering a thought-provoking close to SUMO’s run.
This production marks the third collaborative production between Ma – Yi Theater Company and The Public Theater, following successful run s of Teenage Dick by Mike Lew in 2018 and The Chinese Lady by Lloyd Suh in 2022. The Public is proud to continu e work ing with Ma – Yi and to honor and celebrate their important mission of providing a home for Asian American artists, while producing theater that breaks boundaries.
