Last Luncheon

Introduction

A man,

a table,

a pack of instant noodles,

a can of luncheon meat,

a cassette tape recorder.

This is a journey of life, about reflection and acceptance. When the present meets the past, perhaps the future becomes clear.

Every day, an elderly man eats a can of luncheon meat, to keep a promise to his wife. Alone and adrift, he revisits past moments and memories, in search of meaning and closure. As the days pass, he gets closer to his last can of luncheon meat.

After decades in the scene honing his craft, Singapore theatre practitioner Alvin Chiam writes, directs, and performs in his first solo work, a rumination on the meaning of solitude.Inspired by Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett, Chiam invites the audience on this groundbreaking journey with him. Choosing a minimalist approach, Chiam compels the audience to focus on him, to delight in his exterior actions, but more importantly, to look beyond that and see his character's inner world.

Creative Team

Alvin Chiam 

Director, Writer, Performer

Alvin Chiam is a vibrant presence in Singapore's theatre landscape, with over 25 years of experience shaping the Singapore theatre and arts scene. Throughout his career, Chiam has taken on diverse roles as an actor, director, and acting coach. His productions and training sessions have captivated audiences in Paris, London, China and so on. Chiam has also had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed directors across Asia such as Stan Lai (Taiwan) and Fredric Mao (Hong Kong).

In 2001, he joined The Theatre Practice, a leading bilingual theatre company founded by the late Kuo Pao Kun, a pioneer of Singaporean theatre, and played a vital role in his six years at the company. In 2007, he was awarded the Arts Professional Development Grant from the National Arts Council of Singapore, enabling him to hone his performing skills under the mentorship of the renowned Philippe Gaulier in Paris. Graduating with distinction from Ecole Philippe Gaulier in 2009, Chiam then served as a movement teacher and Assistant Professor at the school.

In 2013, he received the Arts Scholarship from the National Arts Council Singapore, allowing him to pursue an MA in Ensemble Theatre at Rose Bruford College in London. He graduated with a master's degree in 2014 and continued to contribute to the academic community as a part-time lecturer at Rose Bruford College.

Currently, Chiam makes significant contributions as a full-time lecturer at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore. His unwavering dedicationto theatre, combined with his extensive experience and training, continues to inspire audiences and aspiring artists alike.

Cast & Crew

Le Jeu Studio

Alvin Chiam

Robin Loon

Sonya Wong