The Taming of the Shrew

I saw this twenty years ago, and it has stuck in my mind ever since. The Taming of the Shrew is very difficult to perform without sexism, but in this production it was very clear that -- even though Petruchio's original plan was just to find a wealthy wife -- he quickly came to love and respect Katharine, and that his motivation was to help her break out of an unpleasant persona she had created and gotten locked into. And in return, free of her old self, she respected and loved him, and so was happy to help him look good. I wish it were available on video: I'd really like to see it again.

I saw this program when I was a ten and it knocked my socks off. It was my first intro to Shakespeare and Mark Singer. I was awestruck and couldn't take my eyes of the television screen. This particular production and the rest of the company changed my life. Mark Singer's Petruchio was so full of life and unbridled energy that I think I might have fallen in preteen love with him not to mention the story of the Taming of the Shrew. I've sought out Shakespeare productions ever since (and Mark Singer). The dancing and delivery of the lines were so crisp. I so wish that I could see this particular production again. I still talk about it and wish my kids could view it with me and experience the excitement like I had when I first saw it oh so many years ago.

I happened to order online a DVD version of The Taming of the Shrew. When I received the packet the day before yesterday, I found out that it was not the film directed by Franco Zeffirelli that I originally wanted, but some stage production by whoever... I was disappointed that I had made such a silly mistake with ordering something else than I wanted. However, only after a minute or two of watching the performance, I was not entirely sure if it was really a mistake, and when Petruchio stepped on the scene, I suddenly realised that this was actually the luckiest choice of DVD I have ever made. Petruchio and Kate are both so lively and wilful. (I do not want to say that the other actors did not do their best - they are ALL wonderful, but Petruchio and Kate are my favourite characters.) When Kate is weary and sad, Fredi Olster has tears in her eyes... The whole cast are playing for the audience, not for the stage, and they do not miss a chance to communicate with the people. It must have been an exceptional and unforgettable experience to see this performance live. For me, it was exceptional even on the screen, and I am sure I will not forget it - I have already seen it twice...

It was this performance that sparked my interest in Shakespeare. I don't quite know any higher compliment I can give it. I was 11 or 12 at the time, and Shakespeare was foreign to me despite being the same basic language, yet here it was, so live and real.

I haven't given it 10 of 10 merely because of its slight shortcomings within the medium. This show was for a live audience, and was filmed for television, not made for television. It's simplicity is charming, though.

It works. Watch this show and see what Shakespeare should be. I only wish I could have been there live to see it!

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Now that I've read the other reviews, I find it fascinating that everyone has the same comment that they remember it from 20+ years ago!

I saw this production in a theatre class back in the late 70's and have never forgotten it -- this was the first time I'd seen a production of "Taming of the Shrew" that didn't offend my feminist sensibilities! It was fast paced (as Shakespeare's comedies should be), physical and fun, well directed and acted.