UPSTAGE SPOTLIGHT BERNHARDT/HAMLET
By Theresa Rebeck Directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel
Mark Twain wrote: “There are five kinds of actresses: bad actresses, fair actresses, good actresses, great actresses. And then there is Sarah Bernhardt.” In 1897, the international stage celebrity set out to tackle her most ambitious role yet: Hamlet. Theresa Rebeck’s new play rollicks with high comedy and human drama, set against the lavish Shakespearean production that could make or break Bernhardt’s career. Janet McTeer, “one of the finest classical actresses of her generation” (The Telegraph), brings the legendary leading lady to life.
A NOTE FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TODD HAIMES
Sarah Bernhardt’s real-life portrayal of Hamlet has become a landmark moment in theatre history, but behind every cultural milestone lies immense personal risk. For Bernhardt, then, Hamlet is more than just a role. He is her ultimate challenge and her archnemesis, the only thing standing between her and the promise of true immortality. With piercing wit and fierce humanity, Theresa Rebeck explores the sacrifices necessary to shatter centuries of tradition, take on the untouchable, and command one’s own legacy.
WHEN 1897
WHO
Sarah Bernhardt: A celebrated French stage actress known for her eccentric lifestyle
Edmond Rostand: A playwright completely transfixed by Sarah
Constant Coquelin: The leading man in Sarah's troupe, he has played every role in the canon Alphonse Mucha: A famous artist Louis: The leading theatre critic of Paris Lysette: The pretty ingénue of Sarah’s troupe Raoul: An actor in Sarah’s troupe Francois: An actor in Sarah’s troupe Maurice: Sarah’s devoted son Rosamond: Rostand’s neglected wife
WHERE Paris, France
2 ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY
Photo: Jake Chessum
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