Remember the adage it’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters? Never mind that the maxim hails from the Greek philosopher Epictetus, it’s a truth many live by and none more so than performance artist Mik Kuhlman. In her latest solo act, “House #30,” Kuhlman transforms a life-altering, Vashon-based event into living art. The new show will open at Seattle’s West of Lenin Theater on Thursday, June 25.

Many islanders know Kuhlman, who divides her time between Vashon and New York City, as a former member of UMO, an actress, writer and theater educator. She’s also a solo artist who until now performed works based upon the universal instead of the personal.

“This is the first time I’m going from the personal to the universal. I’ve always been an interpreter, not an autobiographical artist. That’s a whole other beast,” Kuhlman said.

A beast of burden? Perhaps. But after a recent chat with Kuhlman, 53, whose sparkling blue eyes and pixie-like energy belie her age, a phoenix rising from the ashes comes to mind. Kuhlman’s show is about the meaning of home and her haunted Vashon house that burned down in 2000. At least that’s what she believed it was about when she premiered a version two years ago through Vashon Allied Arts’ New Works series.

“I thought it was about how I found ‘home’ in the rubble, in the ashes of my burned home,” Kuhlman said. “Ironically, that’s not the story. It’s about what lies underneath that’s the story.”

While “House #30” began on Vashon, it matured in New York with help from Kuhlman’s director Jennifer Jasper and sound designer Michael Keck. Vashon visual designer Patricia Toovey was Kuhlman’s first collaborator and remains a constant influence.

“She’s a genius textile artist,” Kuhlman said. “Patricia built a silk house that becomes a character.”

“House #30” is described as being filled with island lore, ghost stories, physicality, humor and heart. And while Kuhlman said she can’t give away the ending — though it’s ultimately about “the mysteries in life, the beautiful strings tied in ways we don’t understand” — she did promise a memorable experience.

“You will want to laugh and cry; you’ll be spooked and moved,” Kuhlman said. “It’s a full meal and a nice ride.”

Tickets are sold at house30.org. The show runs through Monday, June 29.