Suzy Eddie Izzard Honors Hamlet’s Women Through Performance
Suzy Eddie Izzard, the acclaimed British comedian and actor, is set to honor female figures in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” with her new solo adaptation. This rendition features Izzard portraying 23 characters across the spectrum — including men, women, ghosts, and the tragic Prince of Denmark.
Innovative Approach to Gender Expression
Izzard has long explored the theme of gender expression in her life and career. Coming out as transgender in 1985 and identifying as gender-fluid, Izzard brings a unique perspective to Shakespeare’s work. In a recent interview, she emphasized the importance of fluidity in character portrayal. “My logic is to have that basic chassis of myself, my own psyche, and then I add or subtract different attributes for each character,” she explained.
Reimagining Ophelia and Gertrude
Working alongside her brother Mark and director Selina Cadell, Izzard condensed “Hamlet,” trimming it to approximately two hours and 20 minutes from its original four-hour length. A central focus of their adaptation is to “give honour” to the female characters Ophelia and Gertrude, the only two women in the play.
- Ophelia: Explored with more depth and emotional range.
- Gertrude: Provided with a broader spectrum of characterization.
Izzard expressed her desire to expand these characters, stating, “If Shakespeare was around, I’d say, ‘Will, William, Bill, you underwrote Ophelia and Gertrude. More meat on the bone, please.’”
Previous Acclaimed Works
This adaptation is not Izzard’s first venture into solo performances of literary classics. Previously, she portrayed 19 characters in her adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “Great Expectations.” However, Izzard clarifies that her projects are less about self-challenge and more about pursuing roles she feels are otherwise denied to her.
“If you are a very attractive person — male or female — opportunities tend to be more accessible. For the rest of us, which is 99 percent of the world, we need to create something interesting to attract attention,” she noted. Izzard seeks recognition for her approach that elevates and reinterprets classic literature.
Upcoming Performance Details
The solo adaptation of “Hamlet” will be performed at the CAA Theatre in Toronto from February 25 to 28, 2024. This captivating reimagining invites audiences to experience Shakespeare through a fresh lens.
For insights into Izzard’s approach and thoughts, listeners can check out the full interview available on the podcast, Q with Tom Power, produced by Nikky Manfredi.
