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National Theatre Debuts ‘Elektra/Persona’ Starring Blanchett, Hoss, Swap Roles Nightly

8/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Theatre opened “Elektra/Persona” at the Lyttelton Theatre, running Aug. 19-Oct. 10, 2026.
Director Benedict Andrews said production emerged from his friendship with leads Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss.
Blanchett and Hoss swap the four roles nightly, with Ella Lily Hyland appearing in the cast.
At a BFI Southbank talk moderated by Peter Bradshaw, Blanchett joked about breakdown.
Both actors said they could not imagine doing the piece with anyone else.

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Story summary

The National Theatre opened “Elektra/Persona” at the Lyttelton Theatre, running Aug. 19-Oct. 10, 2026.
Director Benedict Andrews said production emerged from his friendship with leads Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss.
Blanchett and Hoss swap the four roles nightly, with Ella Lily Hyland appearing in the cast.
At a BFI Southbank talk moderated by Peter Bradshaw, Blanchett joked about breakdown.
Both actors said they could not imagine doing the piece with anyone else.