The Aussie actress will return to her homeland to tackle the title role in the Henrik Ibsen classic Hedda Gabler. The production is slated for July 22-Sept. 26, 2004.

After appearing in STC stagings of Caryl Churchill's Top Girls, Timothy Daly's Kafka Dances and David Mamet's Oleanna, Blanchett's film career was launched winning her roles in "Paradise Road" opposite Glenn Close, "Oscar and Lucinda" opposite Ralph Fiennes, and her lauded (and Oscar-nominated) performance in "Elizabeth." Opting to return to the stage, she then starred in a London staging of David Hare's Plenty.

Blanchett's other films include "An Ideal Husband," "Pushing Tin," "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "The Gift," "Bandits," "Charlotte Gray," "The Shipping News" and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

The 2004 season at STC also includes The Republic of Myopia (Dec. 27-Feb. 15, 2004), Harbour (Jan. 2-Feb. 12, 2004), Frozen (Jan. 15-Feb. 29, 2004), Blithe Spirit (Jan. 30-March 13, 2004), Amigos (April 3-May 29, 2004), Victory starring Judy Davis ("Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows," "A Passage to India") (April 15-June 6, 2004), The Unlikely Prospect of Happiness (May 29-June 19, 2004), Othello (Aug. 3-Sept. 4, 2004), The Miser (Sept. 6-Oct. 9, 2004), Far Away (Oct. 2-31, 2004) and Scenes from a Separation (Oct. 30-Dec. 11, 2004).

For tickets and more information on the Sydney Theatre Company, visit its website at www.sydneytheatre.com.au.