In the Edo period, plays based on the Shotai Incident, such as "Tenjin-ki," "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" (Sugawara's secrets of calligraphy), and "Tenmangu Natane no Goku," were performed, with "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" in particular performed as Ningyo Joruri (puppet drama) and Kabuki, becoming a big hit and it is regarded as one of the most outstanding Gidayu Kyogen (comic drama).
江戸時代には昌泰の変を題材にした芝居、『天神記』『菅原伝授手習鑑』『天満宮菜種御供』等が上演され、特に『菅原伝授手習鑑』は人形浄瑠璃・歌舞伎で上演されて大当たりとなり、義太夫狂言の三大名作のうちの一つとされる。