His throat instantly tightens. When she talks about her country, Ukraine, Margo Nirod is overcome by emotion. One month after the start of the war started by Russia, she left kyiv to join Touraine in March 2022. “This is where our friends live. They were waiting for us. I came with my husband, my sister and my niece. Since then, my niece has returned to kyiv,” she specifies.
Half of his family still lives in Ukraine. She was only able to return twice in two years. The last time, in December 2023, to accompany his father in his last moments. “My daughter is there, and my grandchildren. I have my brother there too. I have news every day. Artist friends also keep me informed of what’s going on”she confides again.
An old history with Touraine
While “assaults and attacks are increasing”she formulates a simple wish: “I want to return to kyiv. » Before disappearing for a moment, overcome by emotion. At his side stands Jean-Marie Sirgue. The actor and author, based in Chédigny, has known Margo Nirod’s family for more than thirty years.
“I met his mother, Olga, in Ukraine, in the early 1990s. With Serge Rigolet, we had seen a show that we wanted to adapt for the French publiche remembers. We stayed for several weeks for that and then the show toured here for years. » A friendship was born and strengthened between the families of artists, to the rhythm of the shows regularly performed in each other’s countries.
Margo Nirod alongside Jean-Marie Sirgue.
© (Photo NR, Alexandre Métivier)
“My mother was an actress, director, performer and dancer. She was of Belgian origin and spoke French very well”, continues Margo Nirod, also with impeccable French. Two years ago, when she arrived with three members of her family in France, she found refuge in Joué-lès-Tours. In Denise Schotte’s house, Allée du Verger. “She was very invested in literacy. She died last year”indicates Jean-Marie Sirgue.
A multifaceted artist
It is in this house that Margo Nirod uses her talent. “I am a set designer, costume designer and director but also a visual artist. I work with several materials, I’m a bit old school”, she smiled. During her career, she worked in cinema and advertising in Ukraine. “I made a few hundred costumes”she believes.
For several months, she has devoted herself to a monumental embroidery project on Eleanor of Aquitaine. “It’s Marie Sirgue’s idea (daughter of Jean-Marie). When she asked me if I wanted to participate, I immediately said yes.she enthuses. It’s a great chance to share this work with several people. »
Since April 11 and for a few more days, she has taken up residence in Chédigny, close to embroidery. “It’s a bit like an artist’s residency. We eat together and we can see each other more often. Even if we also see each other very often when she is in Joué! »smiles Jean-Marie Sirgue.
