La Blanchett has been awarded one of France’s highest cultural honours, the Chevalier Medal, or the Chevalier de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres, from the Cultural Minister Frederic Mitterand, during the sold-out European tour of the STC production of Gross und Klein.
The production wrapped last night after a four week run at the Theatre de la Ville in Paris, and according to STC general manager Patrick McIntyre, the play has performed to full houses and terrific reviews. Speaking of Blanchett’s award, McIntyre said that “the real story is what this means to Australia… to have an Australian artist recognised by the French government in this way. The fact that it’s Cate and that she is on stage in Paris makes it extra special. This is an extraordinary and well-deserved honour.”
I’m surprised its taken the French so long to recognise Blanchett for the divine wonder she is, when it’s something Australians have long known and celebrated. Not so avant-garde anymore, eh Français?
Via The Australian
Image by: Marty Melville via Getty
