Angelina Jolie and daughter Vivienne collaborate on Broadway show, marking a name change amid ongoing family dynamics

Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, the 15-year-old daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, has chosen to be credited as “Vivienne Jolie” in the Playbill for the Broadway production of “The Outsiders.” This decision comes five years after her parents finalized their divorce. The change in her last name has raised questions about whether it is merely stylistic or indicative of a legal name change.

Vivienne, the youngest member of the Jolie-Pitt clan, produced “The Outsiders” alongside her mother. Angelina Jolie, 48, and Vivienne attended the show’s premiere at the Jacobs Theater in New York, celebrating their collaborative effort. The mother-daughter duo has shown a deep interest in musical theatre and the arts, with this project being a significant milestone in their shared creative journey.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, once known as “Brangelina,” share six children: Maddox, 22, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 17, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 15. Zahara, their eldest daughter, also chose to drop the “Pitt” surname, identifying as “Zahara Marley Jolie” when she pledged into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Spelman College in November 2023.

The decision for Vivienne to drop her father’s last name aligns with Zahara’s similar move, signalling a possible trend within the family. The name change appeared in the Playbill following the show’s April premiere, which Vivienne and Angelina attended together. Their close bond and mutual support were evident as they posed for photos and celebrated the production’s opening night.

Angelina Jolie expressed pride in her daughter’s dedication to the arts, drawing parallels between Vivienne and her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand. “Viv reminds me of my mother in that she isn’t focused on being the centre of attention but in being a support to other creatives,” Angelina said. “She’s very thoughtful and serious about theatre and working hard to best understand how to contribute.”

The collaboration on “The Outsiders” is not the first project Angelina has undertaken with her children. She previously worked with Maddox and Pax on the upcoming film “Without Blood,” which she directed. The family’s involvement in artistic endeavours highlights their strong creative connections despite the ongoing legal battles between Angelina and Brad.

The former couple continues to dispute custody arrangements and assets, including their French winery, Château Miraval. In recent court filings, allegations have surfaced regarding Angelina’s influence over their children’s interactions with Brad. A former security guard, Tony Webb, claimed that Angelina instructed the children not to speak to their father during custody visits. Additionally, Angelina’s lawyers have accused Brad of physical and verbal abuse, which he denies.

These court battles have cast a shadow over the family’s public image, with each side presenting conflicting narratives. Angelina’s allegations of abuse and Brad’s claims of manipulation highlight the complexity of their post-divorce relationship.

Vivienne’s decision to use “Jolie” instead of “Jolie-Pitt” in her professional credit may reflect broader family dynamics and personal choices. As she and her siblings navigate their identities in the public eye, their decisions regarding name changes and career paths will likely continue to attract attention.

The collaborative projects between Angelina and her children, including “The Outsiders,” demonstrate their commitment to the arts and each other. Despite the challenges posed by their parents’ contentious divorce, the Jolie-Pitt children appear to be carving out their own paths while maintaining a close-knit family bond with their mother.

In-Depth Analysis

Vivienne Jolie’s choice to drop “Pitt” from her name in the Playbill for “The Outsiders” underscores significant themes in identity and familial relationships. This decision may reflect her desire to align more closely with her mother, Angelina Jolie, and distance herself from the public narrative surrounding her father, Brad Pitt.

Politically, the name change can be seen as a statement of independence and agency. In the context of the high-profile Jolie-Pitt divorce, Vivienne’s decision may symbolize a move towards establishing her identity separate from her parents’ tumultuous history. It highlights the importance of individual choice and self-definition in the face of public scrutiny.

Sociologically, the name change signifies the impact of familial dynamics on personal identity. Children of high-profile divorces often find themselves at the intersection of their parents’ conflicts. By choosing to be credited as “Vivienne Jolie,” she may be asserting control over how she is perceived and distancing herself from the negative aspects of her parents’ public disputes.

Economically, the Jolie-Pitt family remains influential in the entertainment industry. Vivienne’s involvement in Broadway, alongside her mother’s established career, positions her within a legacy of artistic contributions. The name “Jolie” carries significant cultural capital, potentially offering advantages in her burgeoning career. This move might also reflect a strategic decision to leverage her mother’s influence and reputation in the arts.

Locally, within the context of Hollywood and Broadway, the name “Jolie” may resonate more strongly due to Angelina’s extensive work in film and humanitarian efforts. Vivienne’s name change could be a pragmatic choice to align with the well-respected “Jolie” brand, which may offer greater opportunities and recognition in the entertainment industry.

From a gender perspective, the name change could reflect a nuanced understanding of familial legacy and personal empowerment. Angelina Jolie has been a prominent advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Vivienne adopting her mother’s name might symbolize an alignment with these values and a rejection of traditional patriarchal naming conventions.

Race and minority perspectives can also be considered. The Jolie-Pitt children, being of diverse backgrounds, navigate complex identities. The choice to drop “Pitt” could be a step towards embracing a more inclusive and representative identity. Angelina’s commitment to humanitarian causes and advocacy for marginalized communities might influence her children’s decisions to identify more closely with her values and legacy.

In conclusion, Vivienne Jolie’s name change in “The Outsiders” Playbill reflects deeper themes of identity, familial influence, and personal agency. It underscores the complex interplay between public personas and private decisions within high-profile families. As the Jolie-Pitt children continue to navigate their paths, their choices will likely continue to resonate within broader cultural and societal contexts.