"The actor is too prone to exaggerate his powers; he wants to play Hamlet when his appearance is more suitable to King Lear"
- Sarah Bernhardt
About this Quote
This quote by Sarah Bernhardt speaks to the propensity of stars to overestimate their capabilities. She is recommending that stars frequently wish to handle functions that are beyond their abilities. In this case, she is describing an actor who wants to play the function of Hamlet, however whose physical appearance is more suited to the function of King Lear. Bernhardt is cautioning actors to be knowledgeable about their constraints and to select roles that are appropriate for their capabilities. She is also recommending that stars should not be too ambitious and must be simple in their approach to their craft. Bernhardt's words are a reminder to actors to be mindful of their abilities and to pick roles that are within their reach. Her words are also a tip to be modest and to recognize that there are roles that are beyond our abilities.
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