Theatre at its best.
For one, I’ve now had the immense privilege of seeing, within the span of just a few days, the work of several Aufguss masters in the Sauna Theatre at Summerhall Arts. As such, I feel that this show further solidified my appreciation for that craft and allowed me to start seeing patterns and variations within it – how each master’s approach is different and unique to their personalities, backgrounds, and training. Even the subtlest difference in how they pat down a snowball, pour water on the stove, or fold and place their towel at the end of a session creates a completely different experience for the saunagoer.
This was also the first time I watched more than one Aufguss master actively interplay with each other over the course of the session. Divided into four parts, the show was led by two German Aufguss masters, Anita and Chris, who each took turns in the first half leading their own sessions, backed by German composer Nils Frahm’s ambient-classical piano scores. For the second half, however, the two teamed up, treating their packed audience to a choreographed sequence of towel, fan, and water work, and infusing their performance with a contagious sense of playfulness. It was theatre at its best.
The programme also cycled through a broad range of Nils Frahm’s work, from his neo-classical 2009 album Wintermusik to his modern electronic 2013 album Spaces to popular pieces from his more recent 2021 album Graz. As someone who has spent most of her twenties listening to Frahm’s music, I’d been looking forward to this show since before the Festival began. It was a special personal moment for me to listen to these pieces in the Sauna Theatre at Edinburgh Fringe.
I was achingly aware, throughout the show, that this would be my last Sauna Theatre production before packing my bags and leaving Edinburgh. But I also have a good feeling that this will not be the Sauna Theatre’s last year here. If anything, I’m sure it will build on its momentous success here in Scotland and deliver its remarkable roster of sauna theatre to a host of new cities and communities around the world. I’m just glad I got to be here for its world debut.
Special thanks to all of the Aufguss masters who shared their love for their craft (and made me sweat a lot) and to the Sauna Theatre staff and creatives. They care deeply about making sauna culture more accessible and delightful to a wider audience, and, in all of their programmed productions, it shows. Until next time.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/aufguss-x-nils-frahm
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Sauna Theatre, Summerhall Courtyard
Dates: until 31st August
Time: 19:30
Ticket prices: £26.50 / concession: £23.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 18+