Underbelly George Square – Udderbelly: 6 – 31 August: 6:00pm
For the first time ever, Sumo Wrestling comes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer.
Following a successful run in Osaka and an international debut, selling over 10,000 tickets, at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia, The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA will make its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut this summer, bringing audiences an introduction to one of Japan’s oldest sporting traditions through a live theatrical experience.
The Sumo Show HIRAZUKA gives audiences the chance to see Sumo demonstrated and performed by former professional sumo wrestlers, whilst offering audiences the chance to discover the history, rules, rituals and techniques behind sumo, Japan’s national sport.
Performed in a dohyo, or sumo ring, the production combines authentic demonstrations of the sport with theatrical staging, dramatic visuals and immersive sound, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the athleticism, discipline and traditions of sumo up close.
Alongside competitive bouts between former professional wrestlers, audiences will learn about the customs and etiquette that surround the sport, from its ceremonial traditions to the techniques used inside the ring.
“We’re excited to bring the weight of more than 1,500 years of Japanese tradition to Edinburgh this summer.
“Our performers have competed at the highest level of sumo, and this show is an opportunity to share the history, rituals and excitement of Japan’s national sport in a way that’s accessible and fun.
“We hope audiences will laugh, learn, cheer and maybe even discover they have what it takes to step into the ring themselves.” Sumo Hall HIRAKUZA
Sumo has been practised in Japan for more than 1,500 years and remains an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is recognised as the country’s national sport. Originating in ancient Shinto rituals, it developed from ceremonial contests performed to pray for good harvests into the professional sport seen today.
While modern tournaments attract audiences from around the world, many of the traditions established centuries ago remain unchanged, from the purification rituals before each bout to the use of the traditional dohyo, or sumo ring.
The Edinburgh production gives audiences the opportunity to experience both the athletic competition and the rich cultural heritage that continue to define the sport
HIRAKUZA is a Japanese entertainment company dedicated to presenting live sumo performances and cultural experiences featuring former professional sumo wrestlers.
Based in Osaka, the company was created to introduce visitors from around the world to the history and traditions of Japan’s national sport in an accessible way.
Reflecting Osaka’s reputation as a city known for its entertainment culture, HIRAKUZA combines authentic demonstrations with a welcoming and engaging presentation, making the experience suitable for audiences with little or no previous knowledge of sumo while remaining rooted in the sport’s traditions.
What the press have said about The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA:
“Culture, entertainment, and the overwhelming strength of the sumo wrestlers. An unforgettable experience that exceeds expectations in every aspect.” ★★★★★ My Adelaide Tribe
“Authentic, incredibly powerful, and outstandingly entertaining. Definitely a must-see show at this year’s Adelaide Fringe.” ★★★★★ What’s On In Adelaide
“It flamboyantly conveys the power and intensity of sumo while also deepening the understanding of tradition and culture.” ★★★★★ Glam Adelaide
Listings Information
Show: The Sumo Show HIRAKUZA
Dates: 6th – 31st August
Time: 18:00
Venue: Underbelly – Udderbelly
Address: George Square Gardens, EH8 9LH
Price: £16.50 – £31.50
Box Office: https://www.edfringe.com/ / https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/the-sumo-show-hirakuza
