Taming of the Shrew 98 | Theatre Production Archive

Love at first sight, sibling rivalry, sexual tension and fatherly love charged the 1998 production of Taming of the Shrew by our very own University of Waterloo Drama Department. A controversial play for our time, the Taming of the Shrew has often been labelled chauvinistic and demeaning towards women. Lloy Coutts, director, handled controversy by looking at Kate's transformation as one motivated by love and not by abuse. A wild and bitter Kate becomes a caring wife who discover independence and dignity by allowing herself to love

Adding a unique element to this already controversial play is the creation of an induction written by Lloy Coutts in collaboration with students. The play began in Giovanna's restaurant in 1998 Italy with the arrival of a troupe of starving actors. In exchange for food the actors put on a personal show for Giovanna's pleasure. Giovanna occasionally interjected, adding in her own commentaries from a 1990's view point. Set in 1962, Italy, the Taming of the Shrew deals with a father's dilemma of marrying off his two daughters. Bianca, the younger compliant daughter, is besieged by suitors but Kate, the elder embittered daughter, is hard pressed to find a husband. The father determined to marry off his daughters will not give Bianca's hand in marriage until Kate is wed. Petruchio, initially enticed by Kate's dowry, marries her but soon find love in her strength and beauty.

The University of Waterloo Drama Department's production of Taming of the Shrew was not to be missed. Comic twists, battle of wit, and conflicts between the sexes inject this play with high intensity and action.