Suzy Eddie Izzard Delivers Engaging Shakespeare Insights at Chicago Shakespeare

Suzy Eddie Izzard, the acclaimed comedian, actor, and activist, captivated audiences at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater last week. She engaged in an 80-minute conversation with artistic director Edward Hall, touching on her life, career, and her recent ventures in theater.

Insights into Shakespeare

Izzard extolled the virtues of Chicago, referring to it as “an ancient city on the Western edge of early America.” She highlighted its unique history intertwined with theater and comedy. In April 2024, she performed her acclaimed one-person adaptation of “Hamlet” at Navy Pier, playing 23 distinct characters. The production has sold over 50,000 tickets globally, demonstrating its impressive reach.

Rehearsal and Adaptation

The adaptation of “Hamlet” involved a rigorous rehearsal process. Izzard, who collaborated with her brother Mark on the script, memorized over 12,500 words to deliver a fluid performance. She noted the differences between standup comedy and theater, explaining that in theater, one tends to “lean back,” while in comedy, it’s about “pushing in.”

Journey into Performance

• Izzard’s interest in performance was sparked by her mother’s passing when she was six.
• Her first role was as a street urchin in “Beauty and the Beast.”
• She experienced dyslexia but learned to connect with Shakespeare’s texts emotionally.
• Her biggest comedy influence was Monty Python, and she started her career with street performances.

Izzard also performs plays and comedy sets in multiple languages, including German, Spanish, and French. She emphasized that knowing these languages enhances her performance and confidence, adding depth to her work.

Pushing the Boundaries

With 206 performances of “Hamlet” under her belt, Izzard is making significant strides in Shakespearean theater. She shares a particular interest in the character Iago and would love to portray Richard III. During her discussion, she reflected on feminist themes in Shakespeare’s work and occasionally improvises her lines during performances.

Activism and Philanthropy

Apart from her theatrical endeavors, Izzard is also known for her activism. She has completed 31 marathons in 32 days, raising over £4.5 million for charity. Her drive to run stems from her background as a military child and her desire to support causes close to her heart.

Notable Achievements

• Ran for 11 hours in South Africa.
• Completed 27 marathons in 27 days in honor of Nelson Mandela.

Izzard also published her autobiography, “Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death and Jazz Chickens,” in 2017. Despite her success, she jokingly describes herself as “the most boring person I know.” She elaborated on the significance of politics in her life as a form of soft power, advocating for fairness and positive activism.

The Importance of Art and Culture

As she approaches her 40th anniversary in show business, Izzard seeks to utilize her art to educate and inspire. She emphasized the transformative power of creativity, stating, “It’s god-like to make a thing that wasn’t there before.” She encourages others to be brave and curious, rather than fearful.

Continuing the Journey

Izzard will continue to tour her one-person “Hamlet” in various cities, including Los Angeles and Toronto. Future productions at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater include a concise version of “Hamlet” and a Royal Shakespeare Theatre adaptation of “Hamnet,” based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel.

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