Suzy Eddie Izzard Discusses Shakespeare N’Stuff at Chicago Shakespeare Review
Suzy Eddie Izzard, the acclaimed actor, comedian, and activist, recently engaged with fans at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The event featured a lively discussion with artistic director Edward Hall, lasting over 80 minutes, and included various audience questions. Izzard, dressed comfortably in a gym jacket and palazzo pants, spoke about her impressive career and her recent adaptations of classic works.
Suzy Eddie Izzard’s Career Highlights
Known for her multifaceted talents, Izzard is not only a comedian but also a marathon runner and writer. She is set to perform her one-person adaptation of *Hamlet* at Navy Pier in April 2024, a production that has sold over 50,000 tickets globally. Her adaptation features 23 unique characters and has received considerable acclaim.
The Inspiration Behind Izzard’s Art
Diving into her background, Izzard reflected on personal experiences that shaped her love for performance. Losing her mother at a young age was a pivotal moment for her. She later discovered theater’s magic after attending a play by Christopher Fry. Her journey in performance began when she joined a choir, despite struggling with dyslexia.
- First performance: Street urchin in *Beauty and the Beast*
- Major influences: Monty Python, British *Avengers* TV series
Shakespeare and Comedy
In her talk, Izzard compared stand-up comedy with theater, noting that stand-up is about “pushing in,” while theater allows for “leaning back.” Her commitment to her craft is evident; she has performed *Hamlet* 206 times, reflecting on the challenges of interpreting Shakespeare during England’s historical schisms.
Multilingual Performances
Izzard’s linguistic capabilities allow her to perform in multiple languages, including German, Spanish, and French. She believes that knowing these languages enhances her performances, adding “layers of interesting mess” to her work.
Charitable Endeavors and Advocacy
A passionate activist, Izzard has completed 31 marathons in 32 days, raising over £4.5 million for various charities. Her running journey aims to inspire positivity and fitness, rooted in her military upbringing.
Insights on Art and Politics
During the event, Izzard emphasized the importance of art as a force for good in society, stating, “It’s god-like to make a thing that wasn’t there before.” She expressed the need for comedians to deliver uplifting messages, rather than resorting to negativity. Izzard advocated for a fair world, believing that progress, even when threatened, will ultimately prevail.
Upcoming Performances
Izzard’s tour will continue with performances of *Hamlet* in major cities, including Los Angeles, Austin, Toronto, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Additionally, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater has scheduled productions of *Hamlet,* *Hamnet,* and *The Merry Wives of Windsor* in the coming months.
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