The Taming of the Shrew

'The Taming of the Shrew' may not be one of my favourite plays of one of the greatest, most important and most influential playwrights who ever lived. It however has always been incredibly entertaining and charming and Katherina and Petruchio are fascinatingly written characters. It was dismissed as misogynistic at the time and still is controversial on that front, but the characterisation, entertainment value and Shakespeare's mastery of language (especially shining in the taming process) really shine.

Of the versions of 'The Taming of the Shrew' seen (more to see), all are worth seeing. Even the weakest, the Douglas Fairbanks/Mary Pickford film. While the Richard Burton/Elizabeth Taylor film is very good, the condensed animated adaptation as part of the animated Shakespeare Tales series is great and the BBC Television Shakespeare production excellent, this 1976 production gets my vote as the best production seen of 'The Taming of the Shrew'.

Visually, the production is simple but it never came over as looking simplistic or under-budgeted. Actually found it quite charming in its simplicity and liked that it didn't go for the big lavish approach with potential traps of overblown excess, letting the language, the atmosphere and the performances speak. It's very nicely photographed too. Lee Holby's music never intrudes and adds a good deal to the atmosphere.

Shakespeare's language shines brightly, the comedy sparkles in wit, the tensions are biting and the more dramatic moments have a lot of heart. All evident in the staging as well, which felt much more than watching a filmed production but also it felt like an experience. Loved the commedia dell'arte approach, which is played to the hilt without being excessive or too broad and similar to how Shakespeare would have been performed in his day (except now women are able to play the female roles). It honestly felt like the feeling one gets when watching a production at the Globe, which is always rich in authenticity and like being transported back in time.

Not every production of 'The Taming of the Shrew' gets the meaning of the play, or at least not completely nailing it, and not every production makes Petruchio's approach clear. The BBC Television Shakespeare production did, so did this production even amidst all the commedia dell'arte that in lesser hands would have distracted or swamped. The heart of the play translates very well here, not bland at all. The character interaction, especially the crucial one between Kate and Petruchio, is richly detailed and what it should be. It is easy to make their relationship too combative, but one feels the love and a real growth in Kate's character (the shrewishness and taming equally convincing).

Performances are excellent. Marc Singer has the right amount of wit for Petruchio and the right approach to it (acidic), while also giving him humanity and not outright hateful. Fredi Olster is a suitably initially shrewd and disdainful Kate while being genuinely touching when she becomes more compassionate and vulnerable. The chemistry between the two of them crackles in wit, intensity and pathos, the combat has tension but there is definitely a soulmates in love feel here. The rest of the cast are fine too.

In summary, outstanding. 10/10.

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 San Francisco Repertory Theater production in black-and-white when it first aired in 1976; I haven't seen it since, but I still remember it. I've searched for it over the years, and contacted PBS and WNET to see if it can be run again, or if the videotape can be purchased. >

This is one of my favorite Shakespeare stories and this is by far the best showing. It was all action, energy, fast and fun. No sets, just a stage and tons of talent. I kick myself when to think I could have made a VHS copy and didn't. I want this on DVD.