Sarah Bernhardt: The World’s First Superstar

This is the story of the most famous stage actress of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sarah Bernhardt, born in Paris in 1844, the daughter of a high-price prostitute. While still a teenager, Sarah was hired but soon fired by France’s most prestigious theatre, the Comédie-Française. She, however, soon bounced back to become immensely popular, performing in 100+ different plays in both male and female roles during a six-decade career, toward the end of which joining the silent film industry despite having had a leg amputated. Sarah’s lifelong independent spirit was reflected in her motto “Quand même,” which can be translated as “Who cares,” “So what.” She earned and spent a pile of money during her life, managing her own theatres and attracting huge audiences in cities around the world (including Winnipeg!). Contributing to her fame along with her beautiful voice and other acting skills on stage was her personal life - her patriotism during wartime, her scandalous love life (slept with 100+ men), her exotic pets (lion cubs, an alligator, a boa constrictor) and sleeping in a coffin.

FEE: Free for Patrons

SCHEDULE

Monday,  September 23, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

FORMAT

This is an online event. A link will be emailed to participants one day before the event.

PRESENTER

Frank Nicholson has a PhD in history from the University of Toronto and has been active in later life learning since retiring ten years ago. He’s delivered two dozen history courses, the most recent one being Leading Lights of 19th- Century France, for the University of the Third Age in Cambridge, England, for which this lecture was prepared. Frank became particularly interested in Sarah Bernhardt when he visited the mammoth exhibition at the Petit Palais in Paris last year, the 100th anniversary of her death in 1923.

HOW TO REGISTER

Only patrons are eligible to attend Creative Retirement Events. Please select Patronage on our site menu to learn more.