Sarah Bernhardt was a trailblazer of her time, the legendary actor and lover upending the status quo of 19th century Paris with her unconventional and at times outrageous approach to her life and work.

The play Bernhardt/Hamlet takes place at the turn of the 20th century, with bankruptcy threatening Sarah Bernhardt’s Parisian theatre. She knows that only a box office hit can save the debt-ridden business. So she decides to produce Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and take on the leading role.

Also a crocodile owner and theatre builder, Sarah broke hearts and records around the world, but as news of her audacious casting spreads, questions are asked about whether Sarah’s latest stunt to take on the role of Hamlet, is a step too far.

Queensland Theatre Artistic Director Lee Lewis takes the helm as director of Bernhardt/Hamlet with a powerful cast including Australian legend of screen and stage Angie Milliken as Bernhardt herself.

Milliken returns to her Brissie home to take on the role, after a diverse career spanning film, television and theatre work.

Lee Lewis said that while the play is funny, at its heart is a love story.

“It’s a love letter to women everywhere who have bitten off more than they can chew and fought through their fear to deliver,” Lewis said.

“It is about how we hope for change in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and how we are running a relay race without end to make the world better for all women.”

Angie Milliken takes centre stage as Bernhardt, alongside Nicholas Brown, Hugh Parker, Julian Curtis and David Valencia.

Fast paced and fearless, Bernhardt/Hamlet has come to Brisbane after a successful run on Broadway in 2018, and Chicago in 2020.

Lewis said this production shows how women can challenge the restorative systems they exist within, and the story is as timely now as it was 200 years ago.

Writer of Bernhardt/Hamlet Theresa Rebeck said she hopes the play raises questions for all of us, beyond gender.

“Bernhardt discovers that unearthed in the character of Hamlet is Shakespeare himself, rising with the questions that truly perturbed him,” Rebeck said.

Bernhardt/Hamlet plays at the Bille Brown Theatre from 28 May until 18 June. Tickets and more information can be found here.