Theatre maker, Sierra Sevilla, brings her unique one-woman show For the Love of Spam to the Edinburgh Fringe. In this exclusive interview, Sevilla discusses how this multi-sensory, participatory performance uses canned meat to explore themes of modern-day colonialism and cultural identity.
For the Love of Spam combines puppetry, movement, and real on-stage cooking to bring to life the stories of Guam and its people. The show delves into the island’s relationship with the US and the immigrant narratives that shape its history, all while serving up a hearty dose of humor and education.
Don’t miss For the Love of Spam at Pleasance Courtyard (Beside) from July 31 to August 26, 2024 (excluding August 7, 14, and 21). Book your tickets now.
You’re bringing your multi-sensory one-woman show, For the Love of Spam, to the Fringe. What can you tell us about this unique production?
This show is a tasty and hilarious 60-minute ride, for sure! It’s got everything – puppetry, movement, audience participation, and even cooking. In the show, I talk about my frankly concerning love of Spam, and how it relates to my home island of Guam – and modern day colonialism.
The show explores the cultural significance of Spam and its connection to colonialism, particularly on your home island of Guam. What inspired you to examine this subject through food and performance?
It genuinely came from an argument I had with my husband, when he refused to eat Spam. I was so annoyed and even more frustrated that I didn’t understand why it bothered me so much. So like any self-respecting millennial, I went to therapy. And after talking about Spam for one entire session, I realised – Spam meant so much more to me than just food. From there, I connected the dots between Spam and modern-day colonialism, and very drunkenly told my friend Izzy (now my director) about my idea – at the Pleasance London bar funnily enough! And here we are, over a year later, taking this show with the Pleasance to Edinburgh Fringe!
With puppetry, movement, and live on-stage cooking, the show seems to engage multiple senses. Can you discuss your creative approach in making it such an immersive experience?
I really think it manifested this way because it’s how my brain (and my director’s brain) works! I am more open to a message or a perspective if I’m kept on my toes. So for this show, it just turned out this way. And I’m so happy that it did because what I cover in the show is quite vast – I’m having to teach people about Guam & Spam, our island’s past and our present, and then the current political climate under US rule. How else can I do that if it’s not funny and quick and wild?
You mention feeling judged for eating Spam in Western spaces, where it may not be understood. How does the show aim to educate audiences about different cultural relationships with this food?
Through the glory of Spam, of course! While I’m not expecting every person who sees the show to suddenly love Spam, all I ask is that people stay open minded. Different cultures around the world eat all kinds of things, and I would argue that immigrants particularly reach for comfort or traditional food because it brings us closer to home. This is what Spam is for me. I have so many memories of eating Spam, and in such different contexts. But always, it reminds me of Guam and home, and my family. So while people may think it’s gross or unhealthy – it is what keeps me grounded. So how can that be bad?
As the first one-woman show about Pacific Islander identity developed in the UK, what relevance do you hope For the Love of Spam has in broader conversations around colonialism and identity?
I really hope that people think about the fact that these regions in the Pacific – Micronesia, Polynesia, Melanesia – exist. That whole countries and people exist there, and are still feeling the effects of colonialism. And to really think, during these heightened times of war and occupation – who is most at risk as these large powers play political games?
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see For The Love of Spam at the Edinburgh Fringe?
I’d say – come on down to share in a lot of laughs, a lot of love and a lot of food. It’s gonna be delicious and hilarious, the best 60-minutes of your non-Spam eating life!
“What I cover in the show is quite vast – I’m having to teach people about Guam & Spam, our island’s past and our present, and then the current political climate under US rule”
