I love Shakespeare. He tells the most amazing stories that transcend time and space. I have seen some of my favorites live or in movies several times. I acted in Shakespeare in theatre school. I’ve read a number of the plays and sonnets and have the necessary Shakespearean dictionaries for deeper understanding.
One of the shows I’ve never seen is Taming of the Shrew. I have seen the musical adaptation Kiss Me Kate a few times and sung the song I Hate Men in performance or auditions many times. But the Bard’s actual words, I had never seen performed in full.
When I found out our local company Freewill Players had decided to do Shrew for this year’s production, there was no doubt, I HAD to go. I go to the Freewill shows pretty much every year. They always do a stellar job of putting the plays in fun locations (not just Shakespeare garb) and giving them little twists with music or characterization. The performers are supremely talented at making the language understandable to all and are always entertaining.
I went to Shrew last night. I’m so happy I made sure to get there despite a busy week ahead (we leave for Scotland next Friday). The show was probably one of the best I’ve seen this company do. It was uproariously funny. Every character was spot on and well rounded no matter how small. And, despite having to be inside this year due to issues with the usual outdoor venue, it felt fresh and airy just like being outside. Plus, they made fun of the change of venue. It was truly one of the best times I’ve had in the theatre – and I’ve had many!
Before the show began, there was a panel discussion. This is a difficult show to do, especially to a modern audience, because it’s seen as misogynistic and anti-feminist.
For those who may not know, the central story is about Kate – the shrew – who is not a pleasant person. She’s downright mean to everyone, especially men. She’s also very clever and willful. Along comes Petruchio who is equally as headstrong and clever. He decides to make her his wife and “tame” her. Thus the name of the show. At the end of the show Kate has an infamous monologue about how a wife should behave. This speech is the source of most of the ire against this show.
It’s understandable. She talks about how the man is the ruler over the woman. How she must obey. How women are weak. Yikes! Feminist sensibility (whether you call yourself one or not) starts to fire and get the hackles up.
What I loved about this production is how it showed that Kate and Petruchio do love each other. They have both been hurt in life and have their guard up. Kate, especially, has no one in her corner. Everyone sees her as a nasty shrew unworthy of love and care, even her father. Her sister hates her. It’s no wonder she wants to keep everyone away from her heart. Yet, these two kindred spirits, when they find each other and open their hearts, become very sweet and loving.
This is a difficult show to swallow and yet, when you look deeper, it’s actually very true to life. Remove some of the offensive language, some of the old ideas and you see some very true mirrors of relationships.
- There are two other couples in this story. Lucentcio and Bianca (Kate’s sister) are attracted for superficial reasons. Horstensio, being spurned by Bianca, takes the first woman to come along who shows an interest. It is obvious that neither of these couples have a deep love. How many times have you been in a relationship (or know someone who has) like either of these? And how did they turn out? Likely not well.
- Hortensio’s wife fixed him with withering looks and rolling eyes when she didn’t get her way. I have performed this behavior many times and have seen women do the same with their partners. When we feel like we’re not being heard or feel like we need to assert ourselves, sometimes in comes out in this kind of behavior. It doesn’t serve anyone. It just makes us look petty.
- In our modern world, men and women are supposed to be equal. We really aren’t quite there, but that’s another discussion. Due to that we women don’t want to appear weak. We want to open our own doors. We want to be as strong as a man. Women are strong. We are intelligent. We are so many things. However, come on, let’s admit it, we are not as physically strong as men (except for the rare few who really work at it). Men love to feel needed. Why can’t we just let them help? It certainly doesn’t make us any less worthwhile. If your man knows you can change a tire but you still ask for his help, it makes him feel good. And that, in the end, is good for both of the people in a relationship.
- The secret to a relationship is respecting each other. It’s not about one being above the other. It’s not about one being master and one being slave. It’s not about one being strong and the other being weak. It’s not about one being right and the other being wrong. Why do we hold so hard to being right? Ask yourself – would you rather be right or happy? If it’s the latter, let go of the need to be in control and come to a place of peace with those you love.
Back to Kate’s speech. At the end she says “And place your hands below your husband’s foot,In token of which duty, if he please,My hand is ready, may it do him ease.”
In the show, Kate bends down to the floor and puts her hand out as she looks up at Petruchio. He has been such a loud and brash man throughout the show, it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to step on her hand. Instead, he gets down on the floor, looking at her with soft love in his eyes and kisses her hand.
This was the most beautiful metaphor for a relationship I’ve seen. When two people truly love and respect each other it’s not about ruler and ruled, controller and controlled. It’s about equality. Wherever one is, the other will be there too. When one is down, the other will take the journey along with them and help them along the road to the light. When one is euphoric, the other will celebrate with them. No matter where the road leads, it is traveled together.
It’s worth an evening of laughs as well as a little enlightenment to check out the Taming of the Shrew whether you read it or go see this production or another. Look deeper than the surface and, just like in a relationship, you may discover something profound.
Christie Mawer – The Bad Kitty
thebadkittyis@gmail.com