The Taming of the Shrew (or The Shaming of the True?)

Description

The Taming of the Shrew is a nightmare of gender and class inequality – an astonishing depiction of outdated social mores, evident in its very title. And yet, in this early Shakespearean comedy, there is also sizzling word-play, sparkling delight and playful exuberance -- characteristics typical of the improvisational commedia dell’arte, or Italian Comedy, that was such an enormous influence on the bard at this time. Contemporary productions tend to forget that Shakespeare began this play with an “Induction”, making it clear that the whole play is a performance put on by a troupe of wayfaring thespians, eager to please their host, the obscenely wealthy “Lord”. Isn’t context everything? Everyone is playing a part in a script that was written long ago. What will it take for the Petruchio’s and Kate’s of this world to rewrite the script? This production promises to turn our gendered, classist world upside down, with the hopes of light-heartedly shedding light on who we once were, to celebrate how far we’ve come, and perhaps even shine a beacon toward where we can, together, bravely go.

Times

• Previews at 7:30 pm Monday and Tuesday November 12th and 13th
• Opening at 8pm Wednesday November 14th
• Playing at 8pm November 14th to 17th and November 22nd to 24th
• Matinées at 12:30pm on Wednesday November 14th, Friday November 16th, and Thursday November 22nd

Cast