SUMO

World-Premiere Play

SUMO

Overview
Cast & Creators
Gallery
Venue Info

SEP 26 - OCT 22 | Mandell Weiss Forum

Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring | Directed by Ralph B. Peña

A co-production with Ma-Yi Theater Company

This production is sold out. A limited number of tickets are released daily, so please check back.

True victory is victory over oneself

Entrenched in an elite sumo training facility in Tokyo, six men practice, eat, love, play and ultimately fight.

Akio arrives as an angry, ambitious 18 year old with a lot to learn. Expecting validation, dominance and fame, and desperate to move up the ranks, he slams headlong into his fellow wrestlers, especially Mitsuo, the highest ranked fighter. With sponsorship money at stake, their bodies on the line, and their futures at risk, the wrestlers struggle to carve themselves – and one another – into the men they dream of being.

Lisa Sanaye Dring has painted a vivid world with poetic precision, mixing ancient, divine ritual with the guttural ferocity of competition. SUMO was a hit as part of our DNA New Work Series in 2021. Directed by Ralph B. Peña (artistic director of Ma-Yi Theater) and featuring live taiko drumming, we are thrilled to bring this tenderly drawn and unique work to life for San Diego audiences.

“Welcome to the dohyō. Where the national heroes of Japan are made. These men are not gods, they are sumo. But sumo wrestlers were once gods.”

Discover More

» Read the program online

Ticket Information

Single tickets and subscriptions are now on sale.

First Look (previews): Sep 26 – 30*
Weeks 2 – 4: Oct 1 – 22

Interested in other shows too? Book 3 or more shows to save on tickets, get early access to the best seats, free exchanges, pay no fees and enjoy additional perks. Explore subscriptions now.

*‘First Look’ performances are the first week of the run of each show prior to opening night (with some exceptions). First Look tickets are lower price and offer the opportunity to experience the show while the creative team are still polishing and making changes. This is a vital element of a show’s evolution, allowing the creative team to step back and see the show through the eyes and experience of the audience. Playhouse staff speak to the audience briefly before the show starts, and the creative team may be seated near you taking notes.

Ticket discounts
The Playhouse offers a range of ways to save on tickets, including Military, Student and Rush discounts, and $25 tickets in Area 3. Discounts are subject to availability and conditions may apply. Read more here or call Patron Services at (858) 550-1010 for more info.

Audience Engagement Events

Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.

Talkback Tuesday
Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.
Tue, Oct 3 and 10, after the 7:30pm show

Discovery Sunday
Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.
Sun, Oct 15 after the 2pm show

Access Performances

ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat Oct 14, 2pm
ACCESS Performance (Audio Description): Sat Oct 14, 2pm

Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing and Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your access needs. Find more info about access here.

Sensory Friendly Guide
Read the Sensory Friendly Guide for the Forum Theatre here

Useful Information

Parking
Parking is FREE for La Jolla Playhouse patrons in the South Parking Structure (formerly known as Osler Parking) when a valid parking pass is displayed. Take advantage of the free shuttle to the theatre. Find all parking information here.

Duration
Approximately 1 hour, 55 min plus a 15-minute intermission

Content Advisory
Loud noises, flashing lights and adult language. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.

Covid-19 Policy (Updated Oct 31, 2022)
La Jolla Playhouse no longer requires patrons to wear masks indoors while attending our theatres. However, we recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 safety procedures, please visit our Covid Safety Page.

Onsite Dining
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for dinner service at 5pm nightly (Tue – Sun). Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances. James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty sushi, Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items. Reserve your table on OpenTable or by phone on (858) 638-7778. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Click here to view the menu

Concessions
Concessions opens 60 mins before showtime. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.

La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.

Production Sponsors
Silvija and Brian Devine
Playhouse Partners
Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award

Photo by Rich Soublet II