As part of Kia Mau Festival’s He Ngaru Nui programme, For the Love of Spam is a multi-sensory, participatory one-woman show dedicated to two things: canned meat and colonialism. 

Find out how this (delicious) canned meat symbolises modern-day colonialism and threatens the very livelihood of a whole civilisation in these 'West vs East' political games.

Can this formerly Catholic, angry and God-fearing woman help educate (and feed) the masses, all while 'liberating' her island? For the Love of Spam is written & performed by Chamoru / Filipina theatremaker Sierra Sevilla, originally from the island of Guam and passionate about shifting immigrant narratives.

A Premiere Season in Aotearoa, For the Love of Spam journeys to us from Guam and the United Kingdom.

Content warnings include PG Rated, For the Love of Spam contains audience participation, scenes of a sexual nature, distressing or potentially triggering themes, strong language and the preparation of food / meat on stage.

He Ngaru Nui is more than just a collection of performances—it is a bold statement about the value and significance of Indigenous narratives. These shows take stories that sometimes feel small, intimate, or unheard, and amplify them on the grand stages they deserve. This programming strand honours the storytelling traditions of Māori, Pasifika and global indigenous cultures, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary performance. It’s about taking stories from our communities and sharing them with the world in a way that is both respectful and revolutionary.

Kia Mau Festival is at the forefront of contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous arts in Aotearoa and beyond. We are innovators—pushing boundaries, redefining forms, and forging new paths with creative risk-taking at every step.Right here, right now, we bring together local, national, and international artists in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. We find the intersection where our stories intertwine, creating an experience that is uniquely 'local' yet unparalleled in Pōneke throughout the year.

Kia Mau Festival offers a truly unique experience, led by Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous voices at every level—from our leadership to our artists and audiences. Unlike any other festival, we are not just a platform for presentations; we are a hub for kōrero and whanaungatanga.