Cate Blanchett’s latest stage venture, “Electra/Persona,” has opened at the National Theatre to a decidedly mixed critical reception. While Blanchett’s commanding presence is noted, reviewers suggest the production’s ambitious narrative falters, leaving audiences struggling to connect with its themes.
The play, directed by Benedict Andrews, is structured in two distinct halves, presented without an interval. The first segment reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Electra, with Nina Hoss taking on the titular role and Blanchett portraying her mother, Clytemnestra. This part of the narrative focuses on Electra’s rage over her father Agamemnon’s murder.
The second half shifts focus to a modern-day story inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s 1966 film “Persona.” In this segment, Blanchett plays Alma, a psychiatric nurse tending to Elisabeth, a mute actress played by Hoss, who has experienced a breakdown on stage. As the play progresses, the identities of the two women become increasingly blurred, exploring themes of post-natal depression and existential angst.
Reviewers acknowledged Blanchett’s captivating on-stage persona, describing her as “fascinating to look at.” Hoss, too, received praise for her intense performance, with one critic noting she “literally drips in blood, sweat, and tears.” The chemistry between the two leads was also highlighted, as was the slick production design, which features MDF amphitheatre steps and integrated hand-held cameras for close-ups.
However, the play’s narrative coherence was a significant point of contention. The shift from classical myth to a more abstract psychological drama proved challenging for some, with one review stating, “As the yarn breaks free of reality it grows impenetrable, leaving the actors to offer spuriously scripted explanations of their behaviour and motivations.” The review concluded that despite the intention to be haunted by the drama, the effect was not achieved, with patience lost amidst the “muddle of existential angst.”
“Electra/Persona” is a two-hour production, with Blanchett and Hoss, who previously starred together in the 2022 film “Tár,” leading the cast under Andrews’ direction.