Bo Petersen’s illustrious career in the performing arts spans over four decades. Here she is pictured in Pieces of Me. PICTURE: Ingrid Fadnes
Actress Bo Petersen returns to the Cape Town stage in her first full run in seven years with her autobiographical work Pieces of Me at the Baxter Studio from Wednesday July 10 until Saturday July 27.
Presented by ASSITEJ SA, Pieces of Me is written and performed by Petersen, with music by Chris Petersen, who was one of the founders of The Jazz Yard Academy in Bonteheuwel. The production is directed by Royston Stoffels.
Pieces of Me explores questions about identity: “Who are you, if you can no longer be who you are?”
Bo Petersen grew up in a white family in apartheid South Africa. When she was 19 she uncovered her father’s secret. He was not white and had married the love of his life, who was white. From the age of 28 he lived as a white man. When Bo found out about her father’s hidden life, his secret, nearly 40 years ago, her life changed in a profound way. She became the custodian of his secret. She began writing “pieces” as a way of trying to understand her father, his “passing” and in turn, her “passing”. They were collaborators in their knowledge and silence.
What began as a solo show has now been expanded, with Bo’s cousin, musician Christopher Petersen, joining her on stage for the production before she returns to the USA.
“With Pieces of Me I want to kickstart conversations about identity, history and race amongst South African young people, and to build empathy and understanding of the ongoing impact of apartheid and colonialism, and of the unspoken histories that many people carry within them,” says Bo.
“My family story is not unique in South Africa. However, it is one that is not often told, and these stories need to be told, as part of a healing process for the devastating damage wreaked by the inhuman laws passed and entrenched by the apartheid government,” she says.
“I am honoured and delighted that, for the South African tour, my cousin Christopher Petersen, is joining me on stage. He has created captivating music that enhances our shared personal story and experience on stage.”
The show has an age advisory of no under 10. Tickets cost from R165 to R220. Book through Webtickets.