A NoHo Arts interview with Sigute Miller on her show “Tragic Magic,” directed and developed by Beth Bornstein Dunnington, and performing at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival.
I saw Sigute Miller’s lovely solo show earlier this year as part of the Whitefire Theatre’s Solofest. It was the last show of their run for me. Yet, after seeing many diverse and wonderful solo shows, I still wonder what it was about this particular one that stayed with me. Perhaps it was the story, one of addiction and recovery, or the lyrical language and the moving anecdotes, or maybe it was Sigute’s heartfelt remembrances and poignant self observations? I’m still not sure. But I think part of me sees myself in her. Her story, her life, her choices – good and bad. Artists need to connect with their audience and Sigute connected with me. She has a very gentle style of delivery, a vivid warmth and a deeply honest open way of communicating her journey. It’s like being bathed in light, no judgement, no despair, just an unfolding of her life experience and her dreams of who she was, is and could become. I highly recommend you add this show to your Hollywood Fringe Festival show list!
Since I had already reviewed Sigute’s show, I thought I’de ask her a few questions about the show and how it came to be.
What drew you to writing your life story as a solo show?
When I was a fledgling actor in my 20s, I always had a dream that I would perform a one-woman show. Some roadblocks prevented this from happening – a producer’s couch #metoo story, insecurity and addiction.
After attending a women’s memoir writing workshop for quite a few years, the director approached me and encouraged me to write a solo show, using some of my stories.
How has this show changed you?
Creating this show, writing the stories and performing it, have helped me trust myself more and not care as much about what people may think. Performing it has been an experience I never would have imagined. The responses from the two Zoom shows I did, as well as from the live Whitefire Solofest were overwhelming. It gave me confidence that this show resonates with people and is meaningful to them.
What was your process?
The director Beth and I worked on it for a year and a half, meeting once a week on Zoom (she lives in Hawaii), choosing stories I had written in the workshops, writing some new ones, and gradually creating “TRAGIC MAGIC.”
There were times I wanted to call it quits. Doubt and fear crept in. Beth urged me to continue and I knew in my gut this was important for me to see through.
How did you chose what to include and what to leave out? Anything too personal?
I had written some lovely stories about my parents, my fit modeling profession, swimming (my passion) and such. As the process evolved, we weeded out most of those stories, honing in on the themes of recovery and transformation. It also became a tribute to my brother (and his poetry) who died at 24 from an alcohol-induced tragic accident.
There are some very raw, embarrassing and shameful stories that I at first resisted putting in the show. I realized, though, that revealing my deepest and most painful truths could help and give hope to others.
When I saw your show I found it very emotional, very moving. Was it important to you to connect in that way?
I wanted to be as truthful as I could in sharing how powerful the Dragons of Addiction are. Again, I had no idea that my stories would resonate so deeply with people. I am so grateful for that and it motivates me to continue this journey.
What advice would you give anyone thinking of creating a solo play?
Anyone thinking of creating a solo play – Go For It! Start writing memories, feelings about experiences that have moved or changed you. Trust yourself. The story will come. The play will unfold in often unexpected ways as it did for me.
Thank you Sigute! Don’t miss Sigute Miller’s “Tragic Magic” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival!
When:
Previews: Sunday, June 5 at 1:00 p.m.
Regular performances:
Saturday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 12 at 4:00 p.m.
Friday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 26 at 11 a.m.
Where:
Let Live Theater
916 N Formosa Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tickets:
https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/7394
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