Isabella Chiam’s Emotional Journey Unfolds in Debut Monodrama: “The Last Gardener”

Experience a poignant tale of growth, grief, and the enduring bond between parent and child as Isabella Chiam, a renowned theatremaker and Practice Associate Artist, unveils her first original monodrama, “The Last Gardener,” set to debut this April. Presented by The Theatre Practice (Practice), this one-woman show promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt narrative and subtle humor.

Finding Inspiration in Growth and Gardening

“The Last Gardener” blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of Practice’s innovative “It’s Not About The Numbers” series, garnering widespread acclaim. Initially conceived as an intimate gardening workshop for small audiences, the play draws from Chiam’s personal passion for gardening, which flourished during the lockdown period. Through tending to plants, Chiam found solace and a renewed connection with her father, who shares her love for gardening.

The production is also influenced by the touching story of Abu Ward, the Last Gardener of Aleppo, who cultivated life amidst war-torn surroundings, leaving behind a legacy of hope embodied by his son, Ibrahim.

A New Chapter Unfolds: From Workshop to Monodrama

Building on the success of its initial workshop format, “The Last Gardener” is set to evolve into a full-fledged monodrama staged in a larger black box setting. This expanded version delves deeper into the life of the protagonist, Eve, portrayed by Chiam herself. Through Eve’s journey from young adulthood to motherhood, the play explores themes of family dynamics and the passage of time, using the metaphor of gardening to convey its emotional depth.

Chiam embarks on this transformative journey alongside director Tan Shou Chen and co-writer Cheyenne Alexandria Phillips, both esteemed figures in the Singaporean arts scene.

Cultivating Artistic Talent with Practice

As part of Practice’s commitment to nurturing local talent, “The Last Gardener” represents a significant milestone in Chiam’s artistic career. Since joining the Practice Associate Artist Programme in 2020, Chiam has showcased her versatility as a performer, director, and assistant director in various productions across Singapore.

Tickets for “The Last Gardener” are now available for purchase on BookMyShow, offering audiences an opportunity to witness the culmination of Chiam’s creative vision in this deeply personal and evocative performance.

Irone Kim

Recent Posts

CASETiFY’s Biggest Sale of the Year – 11.11 Sale is Here!

Boost your device protection with CASETiFY's 11.11 sale—featuring trendy, sleek, high-tech designs that blend style…

3 hours ago

Celebrate 15 Years of Highlight: Exclusive Cinema Screening of “Lights Go On Again” at Golden Village

Golden Village presents an exclusive cinematic experience for K-pop fans as Highlight’s 15th-anniversary concert “Lights…

7 hours ago

Jung Beauty Launches Damage Repair Keratin Shampoo with Oat, Black Bean, and Probiotics

Jung Beauty, the Korean beauty brand under Ksisters, has expanded its hair care lineup with…

8 hours ago

Razer Unveils the Viper V3 Pro Sentinels Edition – Honoring Esports Excellence

Razer has teamed up with esports team Sentinels to launch the Razer Viper V3 Pro…

9 hours ago

Deliveroo Singapore Expands to Retail with New ‘Deliveroo Shopping’ Feature, Marking 9th Anniversary Milestone

Deliveroo Singapore celebrates its 9th anniversary with a major expansion into retail delivery, launching ‘Deliveroo…

10 hours ago

Rediscover Singapore’s Cultural Heritage: My Community Festival 2024 Returns with Over 100 Unique Experiences

Explore Singapore's hidden cultural stories with the return of My Community Festival (MCF) from 1…

13 hours ago