CARSON CITY — William Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” is often criticized for its misogynistic overtones. However, attendees to the Proscenium Players, Inc. version, directed by Jeff Fast, may find themselves pleasantly surprised.
The play, showing in Carson City, Nev. at The Brewery Arts Center Maize Jesse Harris Black Box Theatre June 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 pm and June 16 and 23 at 2:00 pm, shows a different interpretation of the classic tale of love and woman taming—one that keeps the Old English but does away with a woman who has been put in her place. Instead, this romantic comedy uses nuance and a deep understanding between Katharina (The Shrew) and Petruchio (Her Suitor) to tame mad anger and turn it into mutual respect.
Gender roles are also bent by making Baptista, the wealthy father wheeling and dealing for his daughter’s dowry, into a rich and powerful widow who wants the best for her daughters and is ready and willing to go to any means to get it. Vincentio, the father of Lucentio (A Suitor to Baptisa’s Daughter Bianca) has been changed into Vincentia, a wealthy widow who sends her son to Padua to seek education and a better life. “By giving women powerful positions and adding nuances in the courtship and marriage of Katharina and Petruchio, we are providing a traditional presentation of this work while noting that times have most definitely changed. Pay attention! You never know what little nuance you will catch,” says Director, Jeff Fast.
“Taming of the Shrew” is a rough-and-tumble farce centered around a lively battle of the sexes and the age-old custom of courtship. The show brims with action and bawdy humor, although not so bawdy that it is not family friendly. “Taming of the Shrew” is a rollicking good time, filled with spirit, fun and plenty of laughs.
The Brewery Arts Center, Maize Jesse Harris Black Box Theatre, is located at 449 W. King Street in Carson City. Tickets can be purchased at the Brewery Arts Center box office or online at www.breweryarts.org