The Berkeley Repertory Theatre is currently showcasing “The Hills of California,” the latest production from acclaimed playwright Jez Butterworth. This gripping drama, which runs until December 7, 2023, delves into complex family dynamics through the lens of a mother-daughter relationship steeped in ambition and trauma.
Set against a backdrop reminiscent of the World War II era, the play follows the stern matriarch Veronica Webb and her four daughters. Inspired by the legendary Andrews Sisters, who rose to fame in the 1940s with hits like “Beer Barrel Polka” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” Veronica harbors dreams of stardom for her girls. Yet, her relentless pursuit of success leaves deep scars, leading to a reunion fraught with unresolved issues as the sisters gather at their family home in Blackpool during the summer of 1976.
Director Loretta Greco, herself the eldest of five sisters, brings a personal touch to the portrayal of family bonds and the rituals surrounding the passing of a parent. “It was interesting to me how slippery the truth is and how one person’s trauma can be carried by another,” Greco reflected, emphasizing the emotional depth of the narrative. She is directing only the second production of this play, which initially premiered in London and will make its Broadway debut in 2024.
The character of Veronica Webb is intricately layered, embodying both ambition and maternal instinct. Greco describes her as “not just ambitious, but also trying to be a great mom and do right by her girls.” The reunion of the sisters serves as a catalyst for confronting the past, revealing the distinct paths each has taken under the weight of their mother’s expectations.
Allison Jean White takes on the dual roles of Veronica and her estranged daughter Joan, who returns home as their mother’s health declines. White, who grew up in Menlo Park and studied at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, sees this production as a personal homecoming. “It is wonderful to know the director herself had personally lived those relationships,” she said, acknowledging Greco’s insights into the character dynamics.
The narrative structure of “The Hills of California” utilizes distinct characteristics to differentiate the time periods, allowing White to explore the evolution of her characters. “There are different wigs, clothes, accents but all still related to the same family,” she explained, highlighting the fun and challenge of portraying both roles within the same body.
Greco, reflecting on her experiences at the Magic Theatre and the legacy of playwright Sam Shepard, draws parallels between Butterworth’s work and other significant homecoming plays. She notes the unique perspective of “The Hills of California,” which centers on women and their experiences, making it a powerful exploration of familial relationships.
The play stands out for its rich dialogue and emotional intensity, with Greco praising Butterworth’s writing as “muscular and delicious.” She appreciates how the past intertwines with the present, presenting a narrative that speaks directly to contemporary audiences without any filters.
As Berkeley Repertory Theatre continues to host this poignant exploration of family, “The Hills of California” promises to resonate with viewers, inviting them to reflect on the complexities of love, ambition, and the scars that shape us.
