L'extraordinaire destinée de Sarah Bernhardt, the play about the actress' life - our review

L'extraordinaire destinée de Sarah Bernhardt will be staged at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal from August 27 to December 22, 2024. Written and directed by Géraldine Martineau, the play retraces the life of Sarah Bernhardt, born in Paris in 1844. An opportunity to learn more about the life of one of the best-known actresses of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Trained at the Cours Florent and the Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique de Paris, Géraldine Martineau was a resident at the Comédie-Française from 2020 to 2023. During this period, she directed several shows, including La Petite Sirène and La Dame de la Mer. Also an actress and director, she was awarded the Molière de la Révélation Théâtrale in 2016.

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The play about the life of Sarah Bernhardtfeatures ten artists playing 35 characters, accompanied by music, with Estelle Meyer in the role of Sarah Bernhardt. The play promises to be an "ode to freedom" for young and old alike. L'extraordinaire destinée de Sarah Bernhardt plays at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal from August 27 to December 22, 2024.

Our review:

Whether you already know the story of Sarah Bernhardt or not, going to see L'extraordinaire destinée de Sarah Bernhardt allows you to immerse yourself in the life of the actress. Brilliantly interpreted by Estelle Meyer, we discover a Sarah Bernhardt with a strong character. The play attempts to portray the greatest moments in the life of the actress, nicknamed La Divine, in different tableaux: from the convent, to Paris and then the United States, with well-thought-out, harmonious sets, but without taking too many risks.

Although the presence of her son, played by an actor, makes certain scenes a little grotesque, the 1 hour 40-minute play is dynamic, and the musical interludes are a delight. L'extraordinaire destinée de Sarah Bernhardt is a fine tribute to the woman Victor Hugo called "La Voix d'or" (The Golden Voice), brought to life by Estelle Meyer.