(4 / 5)
In the last year, it seems that sumo wrestling has had a huge boost, particularly after the stint in the Royal Albert Hall. So to bring this to the Fringe is unique, exciting and something I was eager to attend.
Entering the big purple cow on Underbelly George Square, we see a simple set up on what we easily recognise as a sumo ring. What we are initially brought into is something quite serious. Supported by a large screen above the action with animation, captions and terminology written, we are introduced in a one stop whistle tour of Sumo wrestling, a brief history and live action examples of moves, from the rituals to winning and losing moves. It feels sacred, special and such an interesting opportunity to learn something new.
The wrestlers come on stage to help with the examples and we are in awe of them all. In traditional clothing, they confidently take the stage, presenting as they would in a real match. It’s again, very educational and informative, and we can’t help but be a little starstruck by these awesome athletes.
However, when you think this is the show, it completely changes. A energetic, bubble of a human comes on stage as our compere. He is engaging, encouraging and suddenly, the room bursts into something high energised and enthusiastic. For us westerners, who were showing quiet respect for this culture at the beginning, are then verbally given cues to be loud, cheer and get as involved as possible with the wrestling in front of us. There’s a continued essence of teaching but it’s a little more loose and this juxtaposition is so abrupt but so fantastically done.
Suddenly, the wrestlers come out of their shell. Thinking a little of WWE, each of them has their own personality and, while we may not know them as wrestlers in depth, it’s easy to suddenly see who is the the soft one – despite his stature saying otherwise; who is the leader; who is the dark horse. They play up to this and become ever so playful with one another and us. Soon, we have our favourites and are entirely invested in this.
The rules around Sumo are quite straight forward and these are already taught to us. With the information under our belts, we fully get involved. While it’s a small section (there’s only 1 hour for everything after all) we are entirely invested in the action; cheering for our favourites and feeling the euphoria and disappointment in the outcomes. Audience members are then brought on to be involved and they are taught some basic skills and are encouraged to take on the wrestlers. Again, we are encouraged to shout and cheer and it’s hard not to be involved in this infectious reaction.
The Sumo Show HIRAZUKA is unlike anything else at Fringe. You will not only come away informed, but likely, like I, with a new favourite sport, through the excitement and laughter it has provoked.
