Los Angeles, Dec 4 (IANS): Multiple award-winning singer, actress and filmmaker Barbra Streisand is returning to the director’s chair for her first dramatic movie since 1996 film “The Mirror Has Two Faces”. She will helm the biopic of Russian empress Catherine the Great.

Streisand will direct the biopic, with the project, being produced by Gil Netter. It is still under pre-production stage, reports deadline.com.

Born as Sophia Augusta Fredericka to German royalty, Catherine took power after her husband was assassinated and ruled from 1762 to 1796, reinvigorating the Russian empire and growing it in size and strength.

The movie will focus on a young Catherine trapped in an abusive marriage with the heir to the Russian throne. But when her inept husband proves incapable of ruling, she utilises her intelligence, fortitude and passion to rise to power.

Streisand has directed three movies. She made her debut with the 1983 “Yentl”, helmed “Prince of Tides” in 1991 and “The Mirror Has Two Faces” in 1996. Her films have received a total of 14 Oscar nominations.