www.thedailybeast.com: A small group sits in a windowless Public Theater rehearsal room, but the combination of dramatic taiko drumming, the sight of many of the actors clad only in the traditional mawashi (cloth-belt) costumes, and the painful thwack, thwack, thwack of bodies hitting the hard surface of the dohyō (ring) over and over again makes it feel as if we are at an actual sumo wrestling bout.
1 comment:
Sumo wrestling as a play is definitely a very interesting idea! I find it so interesting that the actors aren’t actual wrestlers, but they still had to go through intense training to make it look real. (Very similar to something like WWE) The physicality of it, especially with them being so close to the audience, seems like it would make the whole experience feel much more immersive then advertised. What really stands out to me is how much this play explores beyond the sport itself. It’s not just about sumo; it’s also about masculinity, and honor. The fact that they incorporate humor into it also makes it more engaging instead of just being heavy or dramatic. It also seems like the kind of play that makes you think without being too preachy. And just in general bringing more Asian representation to theater in a way that isn’t stereotypical or a cult is so important. Instead of being side characters or background figures, the actors get to show strength, depth, and complexity. That’s something you don’t always see:)
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