Comedian and celebrity chef Norm Alconcel’s life took an unexpected detour in 2017 when, for 6 months, he was stuck in Taiwan on charges related to less than 1 joint’s worth of marijuana. Travelling from Jamaica to Toronto to the Philippines to visit his terminally ill father, Norm was supposed to enjoy a 2-day layover in Taiwan to visit some friends and enjoy the sights. Instead, after United Airlines lost his luggage and it turned up in the possession of customs agents at the airport - Norm was waylaid in limbo by the Taiwanese “justice system” for 197 days.

After having Norm almost comically search his own luggage in front of them - one of Norm’s pairs of pants was discovered to have both pocket lint and marijuana crumbs. With the politest of service, Norm was quickly processed and put under investigation for drug possession and conspiracy to import and distribute.

For less than a sprinkle of weed, this licensed medical marijuana user’s entire life was upended and put on hold as either an epic (or an extremely lacklustre) investigation unfolded. Released to a friend until his court date, Norm was unable to leave the country until his fate was decided. Left

to his wits and the kindness of humanity, he immediately began documenting his exploits as he learned his new home. Navigating a foreign world of food, culture and kindergarten, Norm’s insights as a Toronto kid stranded in Taiwan are both hilarious and very human.

"Turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones", Norm continued to refine his craft - writing and practicing new material on basketball courts, local comedy clubs and in his surety’s apartment. Norman finally made it to Manila and preparing to share his experiences in a multi-media based one-man show live from CONCEPTO in Publicion, Manila.