The Taming of the Shrew

Katherina must marry before her sister Bianca. But her lack of interest in marriage does not stop Petruccio from pursuing, and eventually winning, her hand. This complicated play displays Katherina’s impeccable wit and Petruccio’s manipulative nature as he attempts to shape her into an obedient wife.

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Play On Shakespeare > Comedy > The Taming of the Shrew

At a Glance

Tragicomedy • Family • Love

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Playwright

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Amy Freed

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Dramaturg

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Drew Lichtenberg

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Productions, Readings & Workshops

Taming of the Shrew Exploratory Workshop

April 2022 | Exploratory Workshop | Theater Breaking Through Barriers
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Paperback & eBooks

The Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare
Translation by Amy Freed

Amy Freed rewrites The Taming of the Shrew, one of the more problematic plays in the Shakespeare canon.​

While beloved for its sharp dialogue and witty banter, The Taming of the Shrew offers a problematic storyline that many have deemed misogynistic. The play contains insensitive gags and uneasy politics, making it difficult for modern audiences to connect with the text. Amy Freed’s new translation reactivates the original story, blowing away the dust and cobwebs. As Freed’s text reminds us, at its heart The Taming of the Shrew is a story about courage and authenticity.

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Production History

June 1, 2019

Play On! Festival NYC

Rehearsal and Staged Reading directed by Jackson Gay with full cast as part of the Play On! Translation Festival in NYC.

Produced by:
Play On! / Classic Stage / Oregon Shakespeare Festival

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