Melbourne, Jan 1 (ANI): Cate Blanchett and her playwright husband Andrew Upton will continue as the artistic directors of Sydney Theatre Company (STC) until the end of 2013.

The acclaimed actress and her husband began their three-year term with STC in 2008.

“It is a really great privilege to lead Sydney Theatre Company,” the Australian quoted the pair as saying in a statement.

“We hope more and more people, especially those in Sydney, will find their way to the company and join us on this incredible ride,” they added.

The Oscar-winning actress has appeared on stage as Richard II in the Shakespeare adaptation ‘The War of the Roses’, and in Liv Ullmann’s production of ‘Streetcar’.

She has also directed ‘Blackbird’ and ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’, a monologue featuring Robyn Nevin.

Upton’s work has included his original play ‘Riflemind’ and his direction of part of ‘The Mysteries’.

Their contribution to STC goes further, by drawing international theatre and film directors into their orbit, including Philip Seymour Hoffman, Steven Soderbergh and Ullmann.

“The board is delighted that Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett will continue to lead the company with a second term as artistic directors,” said STC chair Ian Darling.

“In their first two years they’ve transformed the company and the way many people feel about it. I’m pleased they will stay to build on what they have already achieved in terms of quality and diversity of productions, artform development and education,” he added. (ANI)