PHILIP Seymour Hoffman has been introduced to one of the great Aussie traditions - the smoko.

Seymour Hoffman is currently in Sydney to direct Riflemind, a play about egotistical ageing rockers who meet up to relive past glories and plan a possible comeback tour.

The Oscar-winning actor-turned-director took time out last week to join one of the play's main stars, Hugo Weaving, on the balcony outside the Sydney Theatre Company for a quick break from the rigours of rehearsals.

Weaving said Seymour Hoffman was content to let his cast explore the complexities of the script.

"He has not applied any pressure," Weaving said. "He is discovering the piece as we are. It is a very elusive piece, but a fascinating play and quite challenging."

Riflemind, which has its first preview on October 5, stars Weaving, Jeremy Sims and Susie Porter. It was written by Andrew Upton.

Weaving described Seymour Hoffman, who won the Oscar for best actor in 2006 for his portrayal of Truman Capote in Capote, as "a lovely man".

"He's very, very generous and calm and has an inquiring mind."