What was the last live performance you saw?
The Izzard is a British comedian and actor who is transgender. They are also a strong advocate for women’s rights.
In the UK there has been an argument that someone biologically male who identifies as a woman should be allowed to use female only rest rooms. That has not gone down well.
Our concern is not around someone genuinely transgender, but around those who would use that to their advantage. In recent years a rapist suddenly identified as transgender, dressed as a woman, and asked to go to a women’s prison. That did not work.
Suzi has stood up for us solidly and that is greatly appreciated. They are truly an humanitarian.
So the show
Suzi has been travelling far and wide doing a one person show of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The West End and Broadway loved it, I was on the fence. Knowing the play better would have undoubtedly helped.
What was unarguable though was the sheer talent. They held that audience in the palm of their hand for two hours, and the only complaint I heard was the same as mine, wish I’d known the play better.
Memory
We’ve seen both aspects of the Izzard more than once and it’s always been an experience, even including the terrible acoustics at the Birmingham Symphony Hall, which ruined the show for a good few people up top. If I heard twenty lines that was it.
They are blessed with an excellent memory and recall. Whenever they did a stand up comedy event abroad, they simply learned the language and delivered the show in the local tongue.
That’s a superb demonstration of respect, rather than the Brits talking more loudly because our language teaching was woeful for many years. Everyone speaks English don’t they? 🙄
In truth many nationalities do speak it incredibly well, which made us very lazy for a long time.
To speak another language is a privilege. We went to Paris once, and before we went I learned to say “I’m very sorry I don’t speak your language”. To say that small gesture went down well is an understatement. It was really appreciated.
Respect and effort are wonderful ways for peoples to bond.
On that happy note I will leave you with my favourite saying that I made up myself:
The French language is so beautiful that if a Frenchman asks you where the toilets are, the only sensible answer is “yes I’ll marry you”.
I mean that. I could listen to French all day even though I don’t understand more than ten words.
Viva La France!
Meilleur Amour
Amorah – Deb
Deb Hawken - Amorah 