Silver Spring Stage’s ‘Bernhardt/Hamlet’ honors Sarah Bernhardt’s trailblazing spirit
Theresa Rebeck’s play about Sarah Bernhardt’s decision to play Hamlet is now at Silver Spring Stage, starring Andrea Spitz as the legendary actress. Set in Paris in 1897, the production shows Bernhardt navigating love and artistic ambition while challenging gender norms. The play serves as a timely reminder of a woman who refused to be limited.
Sarah Bernhardt's career spanned decades at the forefront of French theater, with admirers ranging from Victor Hugo to Sigmund Freud. The production at Silver Spring Stage recreates her 1897 decision to tackle Hamlet, a role women had performed since the 1700s, despite contemporary critics who dismissed the idea as inappropriate. Bernhardt's personal life—including her affair with Edmond Rostand and her relationship with her son Maurice—shapes the dramatic narrative.
The play also highlights Bernhardt's artistic collaborations, including with Art Nouveau poster artist Alphonse Mucha. Her death in her son's arms is referenced in the production, underscoring the personal bonds that sustained her legendary career.
This production could resonate with contemporary audiences grappling with ongoing debates about women's roles in traditionally male-dominated spaces. By showcasing a historical figure who defied such limitations, the play may inspire reflection on how far society has come—and how much remains unchanged. Theatergoers, particularly women in the arts, could find renewed encouragement in Bernhardt's example, while the production's community theater setting makes this story accessible to local audiences who might otherwise encounter it only in academic contexts.