SYDNEY (AFP) –
Australian actor and theatre director Cate Blanchett suffered a head injury Wednesday after she was hit by a prop during a live performance, reports said.

The Australian Associated Press reported that the incident occurred during a performance of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at The Sydney Theatre Company.

The agency said Macquarie Radio network had reported that the prop was held by cast member Joel Edgerton when it fell on the Oscar-winning actress's head. ABC Radio said Edgerton threw a radio, as per the script.

A member of the audience was quoted as saying it soon became clear the incident was not part of the play.

"She had blood streaming down the back of her head and blood on the back of her neck," she said.

"She acted for about another 30 seconds, then ran into what we thought was the next scene, but before we knew it the lights were turned on and we were told there were technical difficulties and everyone had to evacuate the Sydney Theatre Company."