Jez Butterworth and Laura Donnelly Collaborate on The Hills of California
- The play features Laura Donnelly in dual roles, portraying both a mother and one of her daughters in a British seaside resort.
- The narrative is influenced by Jez Butterworth's personal experiences, particularly the death of his sister Joanna.
- Their collaboration emphasizes the importance of personal history in creating authentic and meaningful theater.
In a recent collaboration, playwright Jez Butterworth and actor Laura Donnelly have created a new play set against the backdrop of a faded British seaside resort. The narrative revolves around Donnelly's dual role as a matriarch striving to secure her daughters' futures and as one of the daughters reflecting on her mother's deathbed. This poignant story draws inspiration from Butterworth's personal experiences, particularly the loss of his sister Joanna, and explores themes of family, loss, and the passage of time. The creative process involved a deep exchange of ideas between Butterworth and Donnelly, where they shared personal stories and experiences that shaped the narrative. Butterworth emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his writing, aiming to avoid trends that may not resonate in the future. Their collaboration highlights the synergy between the two artists, showcasing how their personal histories and artistic visions intertwine to create meaningful theater.