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Janina Birtolo as Sarah Bernhardt speaking Hamlet's words as the opening of her one-woman show at the Marco Players Theater.

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The Marco Players are truly bringing culture to the community. In addition to the scheduled plays for the season, they held their first “Ladies Who Lunch” series on Feb. 9 at noon.

Janina Birtolo, an accomplished writer and actress, performed the life and career of Sarah Bernhardt, the first international superstar who may have been the first to deserve the title of “Diva.”

With just the black curtain behind her, a table with a book, newspaper clippings, a cup of water, and two easels with Bernhardt’s pictures, Birtolo began the play with an opening passage from Hamlet as she held a skull with a white scarf trailing below it.

She spoke the words Hamlet used in a graveyard. The dead Bernhardt then asked the audience, “Does this frighten you?”

The audience was taken through Bernhardt’s life from the time she was born in Paris in 1844 until she died in 1923. Often referred to as “the most famous actress in history in the world,” her stage career started in 1862 when she was a student at a conservatory in France and one of France’s most prestigious theaters. Although not entirely successful at that time, she acquired her famous coffin which she often slept in claiming it helped her understand her many tragic roles.

In the 1870s, Bernhardt made her fame on the stages of Europe and the United States. She was soon in demand, including New York, developing a reputation as a serious dramatic actress and earning the title of “The Divine Sarah.” Bernhardt injured her right knee while leaping from a high wall in a final scene of “La Tosca.” It never healed properly and was later amputated. She continued to appear on stage until she died of uremia while under the care of her son, Maurice. Buried in Paris, France, she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Birtolo gave an outstanding performance to a large crowd of women. It lasted one hour and was strictly dialogue. Her French accent was perfect, and her resemblance to Bernhardt was very close. She wrote with humor and suspense and delivered it beautifully.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Birtolo grew up surrounded by music and theater. She entered Boston College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. At Boston University, she earned a Master of Science in Television Broadcasting.

A few years after graduating, she wrote as a freelancer for local newspapers. She has since been published nationally. In 2001, she was chosen “Writer of the Year” by the Florida Magazine Association.

As an actress, she appears regularly with the Naples Players, Theatre Conspiracy in Ft. Myers, and other area troupes. She’s written full cast productions and five one-woman shows.

Her first original piece was “Most Affectionate Daughter,” about Galileo’s eldest daughter. Birtolo had received a grant from the United Arts Council of Collier County to underwrite five free performances of the play.

Although she’s never been involved with the Marco Players before, this was her first experience in their theater and she said it was absolutely delightful.

“Marco Foundation for the Arts has been very supportive of my shows. I have several shows scheduled for them, and I’ve done this show quite a bit. I also write all my own shows,” she continued, “and as Sarah Bernhardt once said, ‘I’ve always been blessed with an excellent memory.’”

In addition to Sarah Bernhardt and “Most Affectionate Daughter,” Birtolo’s other one-woman shows include “A Voice for the Everglades” about Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the “mother” of the Everglades; “Ghosts of the Desert” about Gertrude Bell, the female Lawrence of Arabia; and “Daring to Dream” about Amelia Earhart.

Visit her website www.janinabirtolo.com for performance dates.

She also creates commissioned works and can be reached at 592-1137 or janinab@aol.com.

At the conclusion of the show, the ladies were escorted to retrieve box lunches and returned to their seats for a question and answer period. It was an interesting and educational experience.

The Marco Players next “Ladies Who Lunch” series will present “Lois Sings Hollywood” starring Marco Islander Lois Oxborough singing songs from the 1930s to the 1960s. The performance will be March 8 at 12:00 p.m. with lunch following.

For tickets, call 642-7270, visit their box office on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. or email marcoplayers@hotmail.com. Tickets are $20.