What to do when that lovely 25 degree weather you were expecting of Edinburgh this August turns to cold spittle from grey clouds that now hang gloomily over Arthur’s Seat? Why, go to the Sauna Theatre, of course!
In the middle of Summerhall stands a temporary sauna. The set-up is easy, unrushed, and well-organised, with lockers for belongings and cold showers with all the amenities you need to get squeaky clean. The sauna itself is a spacious wooden rectangle with mellow shafts of sunlight dimly illuminating the space.
Following the recent sauna craze all over the UK, Summerhall has chosen to throw their hand into the mix, with an array of Sauna Theatre shows happening every day throughout the Fringe. The addition of Aufguss gives more legitimacy to this programme occupying a space at a drama festival, sending the message that saunas are not spa-exclusive spaces.
The Aufguss dance performance, replete with spinning towels and dance, while vaguely hypnotic, does not add much to the experience other than helping to avoid looking at everyone’s sticky limbs in the largely empty room. However, the commitment of the live performers to their job in the sweatiest venue in Edinburgh is truly admirable.
The Waves, read out over loudspeaker, does not achieve its full effect, due to the poor quality of the sound system and the overlay of each excerpt by classical music, giving a vague sense that the audience are trapped in a perfume advertisement. The multiple voices of the audio piece were discordant and did little to create a sense of ease within the sauna.
Nonetheless, if all you are interested in is the sauna side of things, the numerous scents that rise from the ice-balls that are smashed onto the burning furnaces in the middle of the room is a truly pleasurable experience. If you want a break from theatre and need some relaxation in the midst of a chaotic fringe run and money is no issue, this is the place to go.
Aufguss x the Waves is running until 31 August in Sauna Theatre at Summerhall Buy tickets here.
Art credit to Sorcha Judge.
