Lick Off My Tears, Death is Also Dying was birthed as a 15 minute short work by Sofija in her third year of study. It premiered at the New Zealand School of Dance Choreographic Season ‘AXIS’ 2023.

Originally, Sofija began with the idea that humans always want more, no matter how much they gain. Through improvisation and performance art exploration a chaotic world emerged. A world that represented the human experience; who we are vs. who we fantasise we were.

Themes of red and grey were prominent in the first development. Red symbolising passion and sacrifice, while grey symbolised conformity and routine. The journey of the grey characters towards a red existence was at the forefront of the artistic vision.

Lick Off My Tears, Death is Also Dying gained significant praise from the audiences, which enabled Sofija to continue exploring the themes within the work. With the help of Wellington City Council and Peacocke Dance Trust the short piece was turned into a full length performance for the Fringe Festival 2024.

“I always feel it's the end of the world.

This isn't irrelevant.

Here I am,

My life has crumbled,

I am crumble,

I am the uneaten bread lying in the wrong bin,

crumbling.

Ohhhhh crumbling.....

- Sofija Milic