Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett is set to return to the stage after a six-year hiatus, starring in a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s play The Seagull.
Blanchett will take on the role of Arkadina, alongside Strike actor Tom Burke, in a production directed by Thomas Ostermeier.
The play will run for six weeks at London’s Barbican Theatre starting in February.
Blanchett, celebrated as a “once-in-a-generation actress” by Ostermeier, is reuniting with Burke after recently filming Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming movie Black Bag.
The director expressed his excitement about the collaboration, calling it a privilege to see Blanchett on stage and highlighting the significance of her role as Arkadina, a celebrated actress whose presence dominates both her career and personal life.
The play, which delves into themes of ambition, vanity, disappointment, and desire, will explore the complex dynamics within Arkadina’s family as they navigate conflicts at their country estate.
The production marks another high-profile stage role for Blanchett, who last performed in a theater role just before the Covid pandemic in 2019.