A pioneering temporary venue, ingeniously fusing the relaxation of a sauna with the artistry of live theatre, has made its debut at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe festival. Conceived by Studio Three Sixty, this innovative space transcends conventional design, offering a unique setting where audiences can engage with performances in an environment typically associated with wellness and communal warmth. This audacious project aims to redefine cultural spaces by blending the sensory experience of a sauna with the narrative power of theatre.
The visionary behind this concept is Lucy Osborne, director at Studio Three Sixty and co-creative director of Sauna Sessions Arts Club. She describes the 'Sauna Theatre' as a novel cultural hub, notable as the UK's first purpose-built sauna arts center and its largest functioning sauna. With a capacity to accommodate 82 individuals, the venue cleverly integrates theatrical elements such as sophisticated lighting and surround sound, transforming the familiar sauna structure into a dynamic performance space. This architectural and artistic convergence is designed to disrupt expectations, inviting attendees into a deeply immersive and potentially transformative experience.
Nestled within the courtyard of Summerhall Arts in the heart of Edinburgh, the venue is poised to host a diverse array of shows throughout the Fringe festival. Performances will draw inspiration from the 'Aufguss' ritual, a traditional sauna practice guided by a sauna master, and will also feature vibrant, dance-infused 'rave' sessions. The interior design meticulously echoes a traditional sauna, featuring Ayous timber benches arranged in a horseshoe configuration around three substantial sauna stoves. This design choice fosters an atmosphere that is both intimate and communal, eschewing formality for a more relaxed and collective engagement.
Osborne emphasizes the deliberate material selection, noting that Ayous timber was chosen for its dark hue, soft texture, and cool tactile quality, contributing to the gentle and serene ambiance of the space. The concept for the Sauna Theatre originated from Osborne and James Grieve, co-founders of Sauna Sessions Arts Club, who recognized profound parallels between the communal, intense, and live experiences offered by both saunas and theatres. They observed that both settings encourage a shared understanding among strangers, prompting a temporary pause from daily life and a deep immersion in the present moment.
The creators envisioned the venue as more than just a large sauna; it is a meticulously crafted performance space. Integrating theatre lighting was crucial for allowing the environment to adapt to each performance. Unlike conventional theatre setups, which would succumb to the high temperatures and moisture, the Sauna Theatre employs a hybrid solution. This involves fixtures designed to withstand the sauna conditions and six overhead glass windows that enable a lighting rig above the room to project illumination downward. This innovative approach allows for precise control over atmosphere, emotional tone, and color without compromising the essential heat and moisture levels of the sauna.
Beyond the internal performance area, the sauna theatre features a design intended for portability and reassembly. Its exterior is marked by vivid signage, complemented by a range of social and support amenities. These include showers, changing rooms, secure lockers, and a refreshing cold plunge pool. The overarching goal of the Sauna Theatre is to introduce new audiences to the benefits of saunas and to demonstrate how theatre can be an integral part of a holistic wellness regimen. Osborne believes that art and culture are fundamental to human well-being, suggesting that 'wellness' should encompass enriching experiences like reading, attending theatrical productions, and listening to music. The hope is that the Sauna Theatre will offer artistic journeys that leave audiences surprised, delighted, and profoundly changed.