Singer takes audience on emotive journey
SINGER-songwriter Jennifer Ferguson’s performances at the Baxter Theatre moved audiences to share their #WeToo stories at the weekend.
Ferguson performed a series of four emotive concerts called JENNIFER #WeToo at the Baxter Concert Hall from April 4 to 7.
Sparked by the #MeToo viral campaign which saw women across the globe use social media to speak out with claims of sexual harassment and assault, Ferguson’s concerts were a creative response to the recent disclosure of her alleged rape.
Baxter Theatre marketing manager Fahiem Stellenboom said audience members stayed until after Ferguson’s show to share their experiences.
“Jennifer listened to each person who needed to speak to her. She took the audience on a journey of meditation and reflection.
“She is a deeply spiritual person and that comes through,” Stellenboom said.
Ferguson, a former ANC MP, has been hailed for her bravery and boldness after laying a rape charge against SA Football Association president Danny Jordaan.
The United Democratic Movement has said Ferguson’s step would pave the way for other women to not keep quiet.
When it comes to her music, her award-winning recordings defined many of the complexities of the 1980s with songs around military conscription, the white suburban malaise and the rich textures of South Africa’s narratives of the struggle for freedom.
In the 1990s she worked in Parliament under Nelson Mandela’s presidency and, during a tour of Sweden as an MP and artist in 1993, she met Anders Nyberg, her husband of 21 years, who had worked internationally in solidarity with the liberation Struggle.
The Baxter Theatre Centre had partnered with Peace of Music and the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (FATC) to welcome Ferguson.
Her first collaboration with FATC was in 2003, for its When Life Happens Festival, the first HIV/Aids-focused festival of its kind in South Africa.
The show featured special guest artists Zolani Mahola and Tina Schouw.
Musicians Mark Franzman, Ronan Skillen and Shaun Jacobs performed with Ferguson, and there was a special appearance by the Cape Town Youth Choir’s Vocal Ensemble.
Ferguson also performed with her family. Anders is a director, composer and conductor.
The couple’s children, Gabriel and Johanna, also performed alongside her on stage.