As part as our Edinburgh Fringe 2024 coverage we are running a series of interviews with artists and creatives that are taking part in the festival.
In this interview we speak to Sierra Sevilla about their show For The Love of Spam.
Where did your arts career begin?
Probably back in 2012, when I studied Theatre Education for my Bachelor’s, back in Boston. But for a long time, between my BA and my Applied Theatre MA here in London, I would say my career was mostly focused on facilitation - making other people’s projects or community theatre come to life. I didn’t really get into the creative writing and acting space again until 2023, with this project!
For the Love of Spam is a 60-minute hilarious roller coaster, dedicated to my (frankly concerning) love of Spam and my (frankly worrying) relationship with colonialism! It’s got puppetry, movement, singing and cooking!
How would you describe the style of the show?
As one audience member put it: emotional whiplash!
How have you approached developing the piece?
It’s been very collaborative and devised like in the process, between myself and my director Izzy Rabey. I had the idea and the general ideas, but in the rehearsal room Izzy and I just bounced off each other and tried all these silly ideas out. Izzy and I have been friends for a long time now, but we’ve never worked together in this type of setting, but it was so easy and collaborative. We sometimes say that if I did something in rehearsal that made Izzy howl with laughter - it was going in the show.
How do/will you prepare yourself for a run at the Fringe?
Of course I’ll rehearse, but I’ll also probably start developing a really clear self-care routine. I know the Fringe will be a rollercoaster, and I’m down for the ride, whatever that looks like. But I also want to make sure that I physically and mentally take care of myself enough to show up every night for the audience.
Other than the show, what’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Edinburgh this year?
Seeing other shows, connecting with other artists, climbing Arthur’s Seat and eating Haggis again!
It’s been very collaborative and devised like in the process, between myself and my director Izzy Rabey. I had the idea and the general ideas, but in the rehearsal room Izzy and I just bounced off each other and tried all these silly ideas out. Izzy and I have been friends for a long time now, but we’ve never worked together in this type of setting, but it was so easy and collaborative. We sometimes say that if I did something in rehearsal that made Izzy howl with laughter - it was going in the show.
How do/will you prepare yourself for a run at the Fringe?
Of course I’ll rehearse, but I’ll also probably start developing a really clear self-care routine. I know the Fringe will be a rollercoaster, and I’m down for the ride, whatever that looks like. But I also want to make sure that I physically and mentally take care of myself enough to show up every night for the audience.
Other than the show, what’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Edinburgh this year?
Seeing other shows, connecting with other artists, climbing Arthur’s Seat and eating Haggis again!
What keeps you inspired?
So many things! But ultimately, remembering why I’m doing this show in the first place - to show people that Guam exists and there is so much more to us than meets the eye.
So many things! But ultimately, remembering why I’m doing this show in the first place - to show people that Guam exists and there is so much more to us than meets the eye.
Just what food and Spam can mean to different people. If even one person sees a can of Spam and thinks differently - I’ll have done my job!
Where can audiences see the show?
At the Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), at 14:10, from the 31st of July to the 26th of August (except 7, 14, and 21st of Aug).
At the Pleasance Courtyard (Beside), at 14:10, from the 31st of July to the 26th of August (except 7, 14, and 21st of Aug).
You can book tickets for The Love of Spam from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/love-spam
You can follow Sierra on X at @SierraSBuenas and Instagram at @sierrasaysbuenas
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