Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Friday, March 29, 2024
play
play

“The Divine: A Play for Sarah Bernhardt” will be presented by UF’s School of Theatre and Dance from Friday to Sunday and Feb. 3 to Feb. 5 in the Constans Theatre.

“The Divine” depicts the disquieting effects of a renowned French actress’ visit to two young seminarians in Quebec City during the 1900s.

Sarah Bernhardt, the renowned French actress, is known for her colorful career, according to a UF press release.

Although the play is set in the 20th century, the relevance, especially for college students, transgresses the decades.

“Sarah Bernhardt was the first real celebrity actress of the world,” said Christie Robinson, a UF fine arts Masters third year and actress in the play. “Sarah Bernhardt’s person is very relevant to today. She speaks passionately about standing up for what is right, fixing wrongs and not being afraid to put yourself out there.”

The cast has been rehearsing for about 5 weeks, according to David Young, the director of “The Divine” and a UF professor. He said the show questions “almost everything that we think about.”

“This play talks about finding your inner sense of rebellion,” said Jake Lesh, a UF fine arts Masters third year and actor in the play. “Sarah makes this statement that the country is so backward with politics and their sense of art, and the inauguration just happened (now).”

The cast said they hope “The Divine” makes the audience feel something and reflect on themselves.

“It doesn’t matter what side you believe in, this play promotes the idea that you have a voice,” Lesh said. “Each person in their own right has the power to rebel in things they don’t believe in.”

Students from the “What is the Good Life” class have already had the opportunity to see the show.

“The students (from What is the Good Life) have been reacting so positively to ‘The Divine,’” Lesh said. “I think they’re taking away the idea that they can relate to these characters.”

This performance may never be more relevant than it is now, with the inauguration of Donald Trump and the nationwide marches for women’s rights in response.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox

“This particular play, I think, will speak to many students,” Robinson said. “Sarah gives a big speech at the end of the play that, to me, encompasses everything the Women’s March on Washington meant, so many people can relate to (what she said).”

Tickets for the UF production are $18 for the general public, $15 for UF faculty and staff and $13 for students. Tickets can be purchased through the University Box Office at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center or 45 minutes prior to the performance at the Constans Theatre Box Office.

Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.

Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.