Tony Award-nominated performer Eddie Izzard brings Hamlet back to life at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater this spring. Part of the process of developing the playwright's iconic play to modern audiences has Izzard portraying 23 characters in a dazzling one-woman show at Navy Pier.
For those that are unfamiliar with the gender-fluid artist, Izzard is living proof of the Hamlet quote “to thine own self be true” and is an example of someone not fitting into a societal box. Life has been a journey that continues for this complex individual who is leaning into “girl mode” these days using female pronouns and the name Suzy much of the time.
She has received several honorary doctorates, speaks multiple languages, and if that isn't enough Izzard is a marathon enthusiast with millions of miles under her belt.
One of her biggest influences in her career has been British comedy troupe Monty Python and that shows with her unique rendition of Hamlet. The painted performer entered the bare set on opaque steps black tight pants, a high heel and a shimmery, regal jacket. The backdrop was designed by Tom Piper who also curated Izzard's outfit. The set consisted of a simple platform stage that was thrust into the western half of the room to facilitate intimacy and this resulted in fewer seats for the patrons within this modern venue. She was given the freedom to focus on the text without the added distractions of conventional props and furniture. Viewers could close their eyes and listen to the prose lifted from Shakespeare's iconic work as Izzard relished each moment. Transitions were depicted by lighting changes from Tyler Elich that were often subtle and then would flip like a switch to provide a dramatic turn.
