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Obama inspires Blanchett's theatre

Anne Maria Nicholson

Story Added : 25th September 2009

US President Barack Obama's influence has spread to the Sydney theatre world, where actor Cate Blanchett says the American leader has inspired her theatre program for the coming year.

Blanchett and her husband Andrew Upton are the co-artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company - Australia's biggest theatre company - and have included four American plays in the 2010 season.

"The American election became a symbol for change, the fork in the road," Blanchett said.

"And probably in the wake of the global financial crisis and the election and the up-and-coming point of no return, which is [the international climate change talks in] Copenhagen, I think people want to go to the theatre to talk about the big issues."

Blanchett is currently starring on stage in the American classic A Streetcar Named Desire and made headlines when she was injured early this month prior to opening night.

Co-star Joel Edgerton accidentally hit her on the head when he threw a prop radio during a preview performance.

Although the show was stopped and Blanchett had stitches to her head, she dismissed the incident.

"Accidents happen all the time in theatre. Even though we didn't finish the show that night it was exciting but it was very, very minor and I was up the next day," she said.

American tour

After the Sydney season, the show is moving to New York and Washington, where Blanchett hopes Mr Obama might find time to see it.

"We're going there as part of a bit of soft diplomacy, the Wiggles and us," she joked.

"So fingers crossed. He's a very busy man."

Blanchett also showed her support for strong action on climate change.

"I think if you speak to any scientists worth their weight in salt, Copenhagen is the point of no return," she said.

"People really need to take that seriously and you can't lose hope."

Blanchett says having three young children made her keep pressing on and making changes in her own life.

"We still do live in a democracy and those changes do ultimately pressure the leaders," she said.

Story Added by ABC.
Date Added : 25th September 2009

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