The Taming of the Shrew

Love and marriage take center stage in this rough and tumble farce by William Shakespeare. It is a battle of the sexes filled with bawdy humor, witty dialogue and fast-paced action. The play features an unconventional romance between a fortune-hunter, Petruchio and Katherina, a beautiful heiress, who is also a headstrong bitter shrew.

Petruchio arrives in Padua to hear of Katharina, who has thus far repelled all attempts at courtship. Since Katherina must marry before her sister by her father's decree, Petruchio arranges a dowry with her father and is ready to marry Katherina, even against her will. Professing to admire a woman of spirit, Petruchio immediately sets about his wooing and their first meeting is one of impassioned exchanges of blows as well as jests. After a madcap wedding Kate is whisked away to be reborn as a loving wife.

One of Shakespeare's most popular plays, it is rife with subplots, disguise and mistaken identity. It's vivid language, elaborate puns and wonderful wordplay combine with slapstick humor to delight readers and afford them a rollicking good time!

The Taming of the Shrew has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, opera, ballet, and musical theatre. The most famous adaptations were the 1967 film of the play, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and Kiss Me, Kate by Cole Porter.