Cate Blanchett Appeals to Audience to Stop Filming During Theatre Performance

A-list actress Cate Blanchett has joined other performers in asking theatregoers to refrain from filming during productions. Blanchett, who was appearing at London's National Theatre in the play "Electra/Persona," made her plea during the curtain call on Friday.

"There are few places on this planet where we can simply be together and be present," Blanchett told the audience. "I understand you like filming the curtain call – and it is kind of flattering in a way – but for anyone who is filming the show, please don't, because it spoils it for the next group of people who come in and are present with us. So thank you very much."

The audience responded with cheers and applause. One theatre-goer clarified that the filming had occurred during a break between acts, not the main performance. According to the audience member, Blanchett noticed someone recording while latecomers were being admitted and the stage was being prepared for the second act. She reportedly gestured for the person to stop and also addressed the audience at the end of the show.

"The person wasn't filming the actual performance, but the interval between the two acts while the cast were still on stage," the attendee wrote on Instagram. "To be fair, people do this quite often and the staff usually don't say anything. It was my third time seeing the play, and I've seen people film during that break every time. Friday was simply the first time I saw Cate notice it herself, just after she had finished doing her makeup."

"Electra/Persona" is a new play written and directed by Benedict Andrews, merging Sophocles' tragedy "Electra" with Ingmar Bergman's film "Persona." The production, which runs until October 10, features Blanchett sharing roles with co-star Nina Hoss. The specific roles of Electra/Elisabeth and Clytemnestra/Alma are determined nightly by a coin toss performed live on stage before each performance.