NO HOCUS POCUS HERE –
May 12, 2022 – Such a strange mixture really, because there are so many moments of tragedy, moments of brutality and raw confessions from Sigute and that can be very tricky to balance with our understanding and acceptance. And of course those are the things we must have as an audience in order to truly embrace her work. But, somehow she does achieve this. Maybe that’s the ‘magic’ of it. Perhaps it’s her kind face, or complete authenticity, her willingness to share her feelings of ‘shame,’ her struggle to forgive herself, and her story. Whatever it is, it creates a kind of golden light on stage, a safe place for us as well as for her.
Sigute Miller is the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants and as such she struggled for acceptance growing up in an America in the 60s and 70s. She also fell into a crazy world of drugs and alcohol. So much was so easily available and, for Sigute, the ‘dragon’ of addiction took hold quickly. She perfectly describes a life mixed with the need to excel and the need to rebel. She led a duel existence for most of her life. The perfect child, the perfect employee, the perfect mother, and another darker side, drug addict, alcoholic, liar. For years, until she finally hit a wall and changed her life. “Tragic Magic” is that story. Within it is hidden the tragic loss of Sigute’s brother, who had struggles of his own. His beautiful and haunting poetry is scattered throughout the play, bringing a deeper meaning to not only his short life but Sigute’s as well. So, in the end, it is not just her story, but his too. Which is a lovely way to commemorate him, with her own magically changed life. And a lovely poignant way to complete this year’s Solofest, with triumph, forgiveness and release.
Sigute Miller is an accomplished actress, having performed many shows with the Echo Theatre Company and Sacred Fools and twice winning best actress awards at international theatre festivals. Her career spans 40 years, and she is a competitive swimmer and the Western Regional Director of the Lithuanian Scouts.
