Notes
from the Assistant Director:
The
Taming of the Shrew is
generally grouped among Shakespeare's early "romantic comedies," light-hearted
or slapstick humor, disguises and deception, and a happy ending in which nearly
everyone comes out satisfied. This contrasts sharply with the darker humor and
deeper characterization of Shakespeare's later plays, both comic and tragic.
Like other romantic comedies, The
Taming of the Shrew focuses
on marriage. However, it also gives a great deal of attention to married life
after the wedding, while the other plays often conclude with the wedding ceremony
itself.
As a modern audience, we must remember to be mindful
of the society in which Shakespeare wrote The
Taming of the Shrew .
This was a time when marriages were made for the convenience of the fathers far
more often than for love. People often were married without having known each
other for very long, and sometimes without ever having met. Instead, one hoped
to find love within the marriage once it was in place. It is also doubtful that
acting upon "love at first sight," in any society, necessarily brings
greater happiness in marriage than does the slowly developed, consistent love
of a married couple that has learned how to live with and for each other. These
are the two contrasting relationships that we see in the play, the former between
Lucentio and Bianca, and the latter between Petruchio and Kate.
*As a courtesy to the actors and you fellow audience members we ask that
you turn off you cell phones and refrain from flash photography.
* Thank you and enjoy the show.
