The Taming of the Shrew

Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s The Taming of the Shrew is a charming and creative production fit for all audiences. Artistic director Jennifer Sarah Dean and musical director Benjamin Colley did well to create an amusing version of the classic play, which comes to life among the manicured rose bushes of St Kilda Botanical Gardens.   

Ever since the 90s film adaption (10 Things I Hate About You), The Taming of the Shrew has been one of Shakespeare’s better-known comedies. It tells the story of a sharp-tongued and headstrong ‘shrew’ named Katherina who is courted by Petruchio, who believes he can make her an obedient wife. The match is encouraged by many of the other characters, as it would allow Kate’s younger, more favourable sister Bianca to marry one of her many suitors. 

Beginning with a pre-show warm up where the play’s musician – who functions as narrator and pops up periodically to sing – helps the audience decide who will play the shrew. Traditionally, the shrew is a female character, however Melbourne Shakespeare Company give the audience the option of a gender flip, the decision is made based on the audience’s applause. 

Sticking faithfully to the 16th-century writings, the plot feels rather outdated. Watching Petruchio weaken his strong wife’s resolve into submission is not the most enjoyable concept, however the gender reversal steps in to lighten up the otherwise misogynistic storyline. The comedic sub-plot of several suitors going to great and bizarre lengths to woo the younger siblings further aids this cause.  

Melbourne Shakespeare Company further modernises the play by having the musician/narrator sing a slew of pop ballads. In homage to the 90s adaption, he even performs ‘I Want You To Want Me’, the song that features in the films credits. As well as this, there are several pop-culture references that are sneakily worked in by the actors.

Though the dialogue and costumes stick closer to the traditional, both are a packed with more flair. With such an open plan stage the cast remain expertly out of view with the gardens functioning as the backstage, and they move in perfect choreography around the limited space.

If you’re not the biggest Shakespeare fan and are worried all the pretty jargon will get you muddled, the cast act out the scenes very boisterously and every character don a sash with their characters name. Overall the play is fun and spirited and does well to add a modern twist to the tale. 

The Taming of the Shrew
St Kilda Botanical Gardens, 11 Herbert Street, St Kilda
Till Sunday, 22 December 2019
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