Australian film star Blanchett to lead Australian theatre

Nov 9, 2006, 12:04 GMT

Sydney - Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett and writer husband Andrew Upton will take charge at the end of 2007 at the Sydney Theatre Company (STC), a statement from Australia's de facto national theatre company confirmed Thursday.

They were named joint creative directors despite neither having ever directed a professional theatre performance.

'As a team we come to the role as joint artistic directors first and foremost as an actress and a playwright,' the Sydney glamour couple said in a statement. 'Both of us are passionate about the theatrical art form in all its mad variety.'

They will together replace Robyn Nevin, 64, who will leave after eight years as creative director.

'The quality of the work achieved over the last few years and the establishment of the STC Actors Company have raised the bar for theatre in Australia, and Andrew and I look forward to deepening, extending and consolidating that achievement.'

Blanchett, 37, is best known for starring in Elizabeth and for her appearances in The Lord of the Rings.

She starred in the STC's 2004 production of Hedda Gabbler, which toured to New York. Upton, 42, provided the translation.

Well-known STC performer Johnathan Biggins said the change was a big surprise.

'It takes your breath away,' he said. 'At first you think it's an odd choice, but the more you think about it, well, it makes a lot of sense.'

Biggins noted that the STC has a general manager, who would continue in the role.