Hannah Gadsby Isn’t Afraid to Answer Tough Questions About Dave Chappelle, Working With Netflix and Their Sackler Art-World Collaboration

variety.com:

BreAnna Bell Hannah Gadsby isn’t a one-trick-pony, and that point is driven home with their latest standup performance on Netflix, titled “Something Special.” The comedian is proving they’ve grown, revealing that this show is meant to show them “changing as life changes them.” Instead of the scrutinizing takes on celebrity culture for which they’ve become known, in “Something Special,” Gadsby offers a more positive outlook on life as they share personal stories about their new marriage to their partner, Jenney Shamash, and family anecdotes.

But Gadsby’s growth hasn’t happened without controversy. After publicly criticizing Netflix and CEO Ted Sarandos for comedian Dave Chappelle’s anti-trans comments made in his 2021 special, “The Closer,” Gadsby went on to sign a multi-year deal with the streamer in the hopes that they would inspire positive change. “In a notoriously transphobic industry, I am looking to broaden the scope of opportunities for genderqueer performers from around the globe, as well as expand the diversity of offerings to audiences on one of comedy’s biggest platforms,” Gadsby said in a statement at the time.

In addition to this special, they’ve also taken part in organizing an exhibition exploring the complicated and problematic legacy of Pablo Picasso, which has earned a fair amount of push back from fans.

In addition to Gadsby, “It’s Pablo-matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby” is also curated by Catherine Morris, Sackler Senior Curator, Elizabeth A.