Sydney Theatre Company's highly anticipated production of Jene Genet's "The Maids" opened last June 4 with favourable reviews. The 1947 French play was adapted by Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton in a new translation and stars Hollywood A-list actress Cate Blanchett and French film icon Isabelle Huppert.

"The Maids" tells the story of two murderous house servants Claire and Solange, played by Blanchett and Huppert, based on the true story of the infamous Papin sisters who brutally killed their employer. Genet's version, however, portrays a sadomasochistic ritual role play between Solange and Claire who fantasize about killing their madame, played by Elizabeth Debicki who recently appeared in Baz Luhrman's "The Great Gatsby" film.

Andrew's latest production includes his usual multimedia experiment trademark that includes real-time video projection and glass box set. The play garnered mixed reviews, mostly favourable from theatre critics and audience.

UK's The Guardian praised Blanchett's performance and noted that " Cate Blanchett is in stunning form as Claire, picking up every nuance and flying through her character's more difficult turns with skill and grace," while Huppert was criticized and was compared to Blanchett for the lack of refinement and depth.

In addition to Blanchett's praises, the Sydney Morning Herald stated "flaring brightly, Blanchett commands our attention". They also praised Debicki "who carves up the stage in a performance encapsulating the callousness of the haves towards the have-nots and the invincible tyranny of youth."

The Australian, on the other hand, praised both Blanchett and Huppert. "We are watching Blanchett and Huppert in magnificent, tour-de-force performances. They are celebrities as well as great actors and this layer - just watching them strut their stuff - becomes part of the fabric of the production," they said.

Catch "The Maids" at the Sydney Theatre until the 20th of July. The show's duration runs for one hour and forty five minutes without interval. Visit the Sydney Theatre Company's official website for more details.