An unforgettable theatrical experience.
This year, for the first time ever, Summerhall Arts venue opened a sauna theatre. Yes, that’s right, an actual sauna. Set in Canning Town Schvitz, Nick Cassenbaum’s play Bubble Schmeisis is the perfect accompaniment to this unique venue. Not only is the literalisation of the sauna location a wonderful way to bring Cassenbaum’s words to life, but his exploration of community, naked vulnerability and the places that shape our identity are made increasingly immediate as we share the sauna experience together.
A natural storyteller, Cassenbaum is a joy to watch. His comedic timing is excellent, elevated by musical punctuation from his wonderful live band. Similarly, the use of props was charming throughout, managing to summon a whole world of objects using only three pieces of fruit. But what makes this show such a delight to watch is Cassenbaum’s delivery. It is an incredible feat to perform with the unwavering energy and inventiveness that Cassenbaum delivers in any case, let alone amidst the heat of a sauna.
Though, do not be misled to think an hour in the sauna will be too intense – Summerhall have conceived this venue fantastically so that there are levels of heat you can choose depending on where you sit, and exits available at all times. Moreover, the pace of Cassenbaum’s writing crescendos perfectly with the rising sensory intensity of sitting in high temperatures. As the literal heat rises, the figurative heat matches it so that Bubble Schmeisis interacts brilliantly with the idea that there are layers we must shed in order to sit comfortably with ourselves.
I would absolutely recommend this show – as a theatrical experience, Bubble Schmeisis is one of those gems you only stumble upon at the fringe, and as a story it is a beautiful insight into east london jewish identity meanwhile offering universal insights into self acceptance.
SHOW LISTING: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bubble-schmeisis-remixed
LISTING INFORMATION
Venue: Summerhall Sauna Theatre
Dates: Aug 6th -31st (not 18th and 25th)
Time: 16:30 – 18:00 (1hr30 mins)
Ticket prices: £26.50 / concessions £23.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / http://www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 18+