'Riflemind' to transfer to West End

Hoffman's production to open Sept. 15

By MICHAELA BOLAND

Kicking off a new phase of international collaboration for Sydney Theater Company, Philip Seymour Hoffman's production of Andrew Upton's "Riflemind" will transfer to a West End season at Trafalgar Studios, opening Sept. 15.

The deal between STC and Ambassador Theater Group, which controls Trafalgar Studios, represents the first of its kind between an Australian not-for-profit legit company and an offshore commercial producer.

Under the agreement, STC will stage plays from Trafalgar, which in turn will present new Australian works premiered by STC, as well as possible transfers of other productions from the Sydney troupe.

Premiered in Oz late last year, "Riflemind" is a fable about washed-up rockers attempting a reunion. The London production will feature original cast members Susan Prior, Steve Rodgers and Jeremy Sims, with Brit thesps John Hannah and Paul Hilton stepping in for Hugo Weaving and Marton Csokas, who were unable to perform in the U.K. season.

STC manager Rob Brookman says negotiations for the transfer commenced last year, requiring considerable navigation of delicate Equity exchange issues.

Upton and wife Cate Blanchett began their tenure this year as co-artistic directors of STC. They will announce their first full season lineup Sept. 1, which is expected to include a transfer from Trafalgar.