The Taming of the Shrew

About

Director Shana Cooper brought a daring and contemporary staging to The Old Globe's 2022 production of The Taming of the Shrew. The production was set on a lavish Italian estate designed by Wilson Chin, featuring garden topiary manicured into the shapes of young men and women. The play opened with a 1960s-style dance number designed by movement consultant Tiffany Rachelle Stewart, establishing a vibrant, modern tone. Cooper's direction actively engaged with the play's complicated gender politics. She softened some of Petruchio's most bombastic behavior and changed pronouns in Katherine's final speech from "I am ashamed that women are so simple" to "I am ashamed that people are so simple." The production also featured Petruchio arriving late to his wedding dressed in a matching bridal gown, further flouting gender expectations. The staging incorporated musical numbers, dances, and visual humor, with original music composed by Paul James Prendergast.