Pieces of Me
The Living Theatre is proud to support "Pieces of Me," an autobiographical one woman show written and performed by Bo Peterson
"No one ever talks about the moment you found that you were white. Or the moment you found out you were black. That's a profound revelation. The minute you find that out, something happens. You have to renegotiate everything."
Toni Morrison
Bo’s statement - Writer/Actor:
“I was born into Apartheid. We lived our lives as a white family in a white town but somehow we were different from other white families. It puzzled me. We always lived on the outskirts of the town. My parents had no social life, no close family friends. My father never spoke of his past.
When I found out about my father’s hidden life, his secret, nearly 40 years ago, my life changed in a profound way. I tried to speak to my father, but his intense emotional reaction made me realize that in some way I was now the custodian of his secret. I needed to guard it with my life. I began writing ‘pieces’ as a way of trying to understand him and his ‘passing’ and now me and my ‘passing.’ We were collaborators in our knowledge and silence.
My family’s story is not unique in South Africa. However, it is one that is often not told. This is the efficacy of the devastating damage wreaked by the inhuman laws passed and entrenched by the Apartheid Government and which continues even in today’s South Africa. These stories are still shrouded in a conspiracy of silence. I can no longer remain silent. The intrinsic damage this ‘secret’ has done to our family and to so many others needs to be seen and heard and hopefully start the journey to healing.
I believe theatre can facilitate this."
About this Production- South Africa 2024
The version of “Pieces of Me" that will be showcased in South Africa, will be directed by actor, musician and director, Royston Stoffels, with musical contributions from Bo’s cousin, Christopher Petersen, who was one of the founders of The Jazz Yard Academy in Bonteheuwel.
The production will tour South Africa, performing at the FynArts Festival (Hermanus) National Arts Festival (Makhanda), Baxter theatre (Cape Town) and Hilton Arts festival (KZN), and possibly also tour to schools and other audiences that are not able to reach the main centres.
During the run, a series of facilitated conversations and workshops will be designed for different age groups, including high school learners, university students and groups from diverse communities, brought together by churches, NGOs and other parties that have an interest in delving into the subject matter. A workbook will be created around the play, which will allow young people to engage with the subject matter creatively.
Listen to Bo talk about Pieces of Me on "Good Morning Cape Town"
Credits
Written and performed by Bo Petersen
Musician: Chris Petersen
SA Producer: Yvette Hardie, ASSITEJ SA
Fiscal Sponsors: The Living Theatre and The South Bend Civic Theatre, USA
Special thanks to The Gurley Leep Automotive Family and all the other very generous donors from NYC and South Bend Indiana.
With thanks to Laurie Nathan, Tracey Petersen, Beverley Abel and Pierre Barker, Jonathan Jansen, Colleen Radus, Nordic Black Theatre, Cliff Moustache, Keenan Tyler Oliphant and Grant Mudge, Alain Barker and Liz Rosdeitcher, Matt Kahn and Janine Felder-Kahn, Bridget Hardy, friends and family.
Thanks also to Wise Wheels Car Rental Cape Town