Angelina Jolie Shares Her Experience Working with Daughter Vivienne on Broadway
Angelina Jolie has been a mainstay in Hollywood for years, known for her roles in both film and television. Recently, however, she took a surprising turn towards the theater, joining the Broadway musical “The Outsiders.” In an intriguing twist, it turns out her 15-year-old daughter, Vivienne, was the catalyst for her involvement in the project. Jolie opened up about their collaborative experience and the unique insights she gained into her daughter’s world.
In a candid interview with Deadline, Jolie shared that Vivienne is a theater enthusiast who had already seen “The Outsiders” at La Jolla about five times. “She appreciates all theater but she certainly knows what she feels close to and what she responds to,” Jolie remarked. Vivienne’s passion for the musical piqued Jolie’s interest, eventually leading her to experience the production alongside her daughter.
Jolie explained how the musical offered her a window into Vivienne’s perspective as a teenager. “I was really watching the effect it was having on my young daughter and what she was telling me about herself, and I was learning what about it was important to her and why it connected so deeply to her,” she said.
The director of the musical, Danya Taymor, emphasized its relevance to teenagers, noting that it was penned by someone close to Vivienne’s age. This connection made the material even more resonant for Vivienne, allowing her to be deeply involved in the project from start to finish. “And then I had the privilege of watching everyone work over this last year to make it into what it is, and Vivienne has been there the whole way,” Jolie added.
Discussing what specifically resonated with Vivienne about the musical, Jolie admitted it was difficult to pinpoint since her daughter is a “complex young woman.” However, she believes the production’s depth, honesty, and willingness to confront real emotions and discussions appealed to her.
The themes explored in “The Outsiders” include fear, identity, marginalization, and the harsh realities of life, such as suicide. Jolie believes these topics are particularly pertinent today, as they reflect the difficulties and complexities young people face. “I think a lot of young people, especially today, these are very difficult times, and they want to have that real discussion, and they want to know what helps you get through life. What’s the reality of it?” she concluded.
Through this journey, Jolie not only bonded with her daughter but also gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges and nuances that today’s youth navigate, echoing the sentiment of meeting teenagers where they are, without sugarcoating the harsh truths of life.