BWW Reviews: Stratford Festival's THE TAMING OF THE SHREW is a Must See

Shakespeare fans will be flocking to an exciting production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW that is featured on the Festival Theatre stage at the Stratford Festival this season. Director Chris Abraham's recent contributions to the festival (particularly last season's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM) left patrons wondering what surprises he had up his sleeve for this production. Although SHREW was not altered nearly as much as MIDSUMMER was, Mr. Abraham certainly had fun with the first few scenes and also skillfully managed to find the right tone for what is one of Shakespeare's more unsettling comedies.

The play opens with company member Tom Rooney speaking to the audience as himself. He provides us with a brief lecture of the importance of 'perspective' in the play. Shortly thereafter, we are treated to ballad performed by Deborah Hay and Sarah Afful. Before too long, the song is interrupted by Sly (portrayed by Ben Carlson, who also plays Petruchio in the 'play within a play'). This is a character who is a beggar in in Shakespeare's text, but is a 'blogger' in Mr. Abraham's adaptation. I don't want to spoil just how fun this introduction is, so I will say no more about it.

The rest of the play does not sway from the Bard's text, but is certainly interpreted in a way that allows the audience to feel uncomfortable of Petruchio's treatment of Katherina as he "tames" her, but not to the degree that it takes them out of the moment. With the festival also mounting a production of CAROUSEL this season, there is much room for discussion about misogyny in some of these theatrical productions. This tasteful production allows the audience to feel the discomfort of the situation and take that with them into the real world. The extreme version of misogyny used to "tame" Katherina, helps to highlight the slightly more subtle sexism and misogyny displayed by the other characters in the play. What truly makes this work is the fact that at no point do we as an audience feel that Katherina is mentally or emotionally weaker than Petruchio. Deborah Hay's incredible performance gives audiences a clear sense that at some point, she very well could turn the tables on our dear Petruchio.

Real life married couple Carlson and Hay (last seen starring opposite each other in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING) are spectacular as Petruchio and Katherina. Not only is the passion between them tangible, but they bring an added depth to each of these characters. The fact that in real life, this is a happily married couple, adds another layer to the complexity of the dynamic displayed on stage.

The entire cast is excellent. Tom Rooney is engaging and funny as Tranio, Cyrus Lane charms as Lucentio, Sarah Afful shines as Bianca-the sister and antithesis to Katherina, Brian Tree (and his fascinating cod piece) is hilarious as Grumio, and Peter Hutt is great as Baptista Minola, the father to Katherina and Bianca.

This production balances comedy and a sort of enhanced social commentary with just the right balance. Allowing audiences to laugh at the farce, wow at the incredible talent of the leads, and walk away not quite knowing what to feel about what they have just seen, but hopefully wanting to discuss it. One thing they will certainly be discussing is the absolute Master Class put on by Deborah Hay in what is certainly now this writer's favourite performance of hers at the Festival. This show is a must see for her performance alone!

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW continues in repertory at the Festival Theatre until October 10th.

Photo Credit: David Hou

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