The award-winning actress takes on Russian love affairs and murder plots when The Kennedy Center presents Uncle Vanya
By Candice Norwood
Cate Blanchett as "Yelena" and Richard Roxburgh as Ivan Voynitsky (Vanya) in Sydney Theatre Company's Uncle Vanya (photo by Lisa Tomasetti)
Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett is best known for her diverse roles in major blockbusters such as Elizabeth, The Aviator and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. In addition to these on-screen performances, Blanchett hones her acting technique by participating in a number of theatrical productions. Most of these stage performances have taken place with The Sydney Theatre Company, a top company out of Blanchett’s home country Australia. Last years’ showcase of Tennessee William’s A Streetcar Named Desire, also starring Blanchett, saw great success. Blanchett will return to the District with the company next week bringing Anton Chekhov‘s dramatic work Uncle Vanya to The Kennedy Center.
The show follows the hardships and complicated relationships between two brothers and their families on a large Russian estate. Blanchett plays Yelena, the beautiful wife of Professor Serebryakov and the object of her brother-in-law’s obsession. With Chekhov’s characteristic blend of tragedy and comedy, the production has a number of twists as the characters undergo jealousy, love affairs and vengeance.
The show will run from August 4 through 27 at The Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater. You can purchase tickets here.
