Eddie Izzard, the renowned comedian and performer, is set to captivate Los Angeles audiences with her distinctive one-person interpretation of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. After garnering significant acclaim and performing over 200 shows across the globe, Izzard's ambitious theatrical endeavor arrives at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre. This production sees Izzard single-handedly portray 23 different characters, offering a fresh and deeply personal perspective on one of history's most iconic tragedies. Her journey from comedy to classical drama, and her commitment to honoring every character as a trans individual, defines this remarkable artistic achievement.
Izzard's venture into 'Hamlet' follows a similar successful solo adaptation of 'Great Expectations', showcasing her prowess in individual performance. The current 'Hamlet' tour has already captivated audiences worldwide, selling approximately 50,000 tickets. Izzard's commitment to the project is unwavering, with future performances planned for India and Australia, along with further dates in America. This extensive tour reflects her belief in making Shakespeare accessible globally, a mission she feels would be met with approval by the Bard himself. The intense, two-hour solo performance demands immense concentration and physical endurance, yet Izzard embraces the challenge, finding joy in each portrayal.
A notable aspect of Izzard's performance is her conscious effort to give depth and respect to the female characters, such as Ophelia and Gertrude, which she believes are often underdeveloped in traditional interpretations. As a trans person, Izzard emphasizes the importance of celebrating all roles, challenging conventional perceptions of gender in performance. She views the multi-character portrayal as an intriguing exploration of identity, stating that her own gender fluidity allows her to see little distinction between masculine and feminine aspects of her personality, enabling her to embody these diverse roles authentically.
The current cultural landscape coincidentally resonates with Izzard's 'Hamlet', with various contemporary adaptations and discussions surrounding the play. Izzard sees this as a beneficial alignment, believing that increased engagement with 'Hamlet' from different perspectives ultimately enriches the experience for audiences. Her motivation to tackle Shakespeare stemmed from a desire to overcome personal challenges, particularly her struggle with dyslexia as a child. Despite not being a conventional choice for classical roles, Izzard's unique career path and determination led her to independently produce 'Hamlet', demonstrating her resolve to conquer a theatrical realm that once intimidated her.
The methodology behind Izzard's solo performance involves subtle shifts in physicality and voice to delineate each character, a technique honed during her comedy career. While acknowledging that some audience members might initially find this unconventional, the widespread success and repeat viewings indicate its effectiveness. Collaborating with movement director Didi Hopkins, Izzard has meticulously crafted the transitions between characters, ensuring clarity and impact. Her dedication to maintaining spatial consistency for each character on stage further enhances the audience's ability to follow the complex narrative threads.
Among the multitude of characters, Izzard finds particular enjoyment in portraying Ophelia, whom she considers Hamlet's 'twin soul', and Claudius, whose internal struggles offer compelling dramatic scope. She also innovatively depicts Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as hand puppets. Izzard emphasizes the theme of conscience as central to 'Hamlet', drawing parallels between the play's historical context and contemporary human concerns. Her understanding of Shakespeare extends to a profound appreciation for his life and work, identifying with his journey from comedy to tragedy and his ambition despite facing societal obstacles.
Izzard's extensive background, including four years as a street performer, has equipped her with unique skills to engage audiences directly. She views the audience as 'Hamlet's Greek chorus', a supportive collective to whom she delivers the soliloquies, fostering a deeply intimate theatrical experience. This approach distinguishes her interpretation, aiming to make Shakespeare accessible and engaging for all ages. She recognizes the inherent complexities and ambiguities within 'Hamlet', particularly regarding off-stage events and character motivations, and embraces these challenges in her performance.
Izzard expresses a deep empathy for Hamlet, acknowledging his flaws and moral dilemmas while striving to present a nuanced portrayal of a character often defined by procrastination and self-questioning. She navigates Hamlet's problematic actions, such as his treatment of Ophelia, aiming to bring the audience along on his tumultuous journey. Even after over 200 performances, Izzard maintains her passion and joy for the role, eagerly anticipating future engagements worldwide. She approaches each performance with the same dedication, believing in pulling the audience into her imaginative world rather than tailoring her act to specific locales, showcasing the universal appeal of her unique 'Hamlet'.