Monica Dolan prepares for role in sombre school shooting drama Mass
Monica Dolan is set to star in the intense school shooting drama Mass at the Donmar Theatre in London, where she has adopted a more understated look, reports BritPanorama.
Dolan, known for her versatility in television and theatre, has traded her signature platinum blonde hair for short brown locks. Donning a T-shirt, she exudes a sense of mild anxiety as she prepares for the role of Linda, the mother of a school shooter. In her downtime, Dolan finds solace in chamomile tea to help her wind down before performances.
While she may not be a household name, Dolan’s performances have left a significant mark on audiences. Her Bafta-winning portrayal of notorious murderer Rosemary West in Appropriate Adult and her Olivier recognition for All About Eve exemplify her ability to immerse herself fully in diverse roles.
Reflecting on her transformation into characters, Dolan states, “When I look in the mirror as a character, I’m nearly always looking at them quite objectively,” indicating a professional approach to her craft. For her role in Sherwood, as a drug cartel leader, she recalled experimenting with her costume to truly capture the essence of her character.
In preparation for Mass, Dolan has turned to autobiographies, notably Sue Klebold’s account of her experience as the mother of a Columbine shooter. She acknowledges the emotional complexities that come with understanding such a tragic narrative, stating, “There’s no shying away from examining her own situation and all the emotions that go with that.”
Dolan is aware that the themes of Mass might seem distant to a UK audience, particularly regarding gun culture. “We’re a small knobbly little country so it was much more straightforward to change our gun laws after Dunblane,” she observes, contrasting this with America’s historical relationship with firearms.
The play explores a unique approach to justice and reconciliation, moving beyond mere punishment. This trend is echoed in other recent British works, such as James Graham’s Punch, which highlights the transformative power of human connection after acts of violence.
Mass emphasizes a reconciliation between the parents of victims and perpetrators, taking place years after the tragedy. The production initially received acclaim as an indie film in 2021, drawing praise for its poignant depiction of this complex meeting.
Dolan anticipates the audience’s reactions, saying, “It’s something that divides people, and you can sense that in the room.” Her commitment to portraying the emotional weight of the play is evident as she prepares for its intimate staging.
In addition to her stage work, Dolan’s television performances have sparked significant conversations, notably her role in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which gained national attention for its portrayal of injustices faced by sub-postmasters. “The right thing won’t have happened until everyone’s got their money,” she asserts, reflecting her belief in the power of storytelling to evoke societal change.
Dolan seamlessly oscillates between dramatic and comedic roles, crediting her upbringing in an academic family for instilling a strong work ethic and grounding her ambitions. She acknowledges her formative years in youth theatre as crucial to her development, particularly in honing her improvisational skills.
Despite her comedic talent, Dolan remains focused on her more serious work, including her role in the second series of BBC’s Smoggie Queens, where she looks forward to stepping away from the somber costumes typical of her roles. She conveys enthusiasm for the camaraderie represented in the series, highlighting the importance of friendship and acceptance.
Smoggie Queens promises to allow Dolan’s lighter side to shine, while her involvement in Mass continues to demonstrate her impressive range and dedication as an actress.
‘Mass’ is at the Donmar Warehouse, London, to 6 June
