Australian star Cate Blanchett takes to the National Theatre stage this autumn in Electra/Persona, a new play from acclaimed Australian writer and director Benedict Andrews.
Blanchett stars alongside German actor Nina Hoss and rising British talent Ella Lily Hyland in the world premiere, which brings together two celebrated works: Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy Electra and Ingmar Bergman's groundbreaking 1966 film Persona.
The production moves from the story of Electra, a daughter consumed by grief and rage as she seeks justice for her murdered father, into the world of Persona, in which an actress suddenly falls silent during a performance and becomes drawn into an intense encounter with another woman.
Andrews' production explores identity, performance and the shifting boundary between who we are and the roles we play. It marks his National Theatre debut and reunites Blanchett and Hoss following their acclaimed performances together in the film Tár.
Blanchett, who previously served as co-Artistic Director and co-CEO of Sydney Theatre Company with Andrew Upton, is also a trustee of the National Theatre.
Electra/Persona runs at the Lyttelton Theatre from 19 August to 10 October 2026.