Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare

"Come sit on me." 



Taming of the Shrew Actors Alex Richardson and Julia Sears.

In the Taming of the Shrew, one of Shakespeare’s more controversial comedies, a wild cast of characters experience the thin line that separates love and hate. This veritable battle of the sexes examines the place of marriage, family, rebellion, and duty in all societies.

Empty Chair’s production of Taming of the Shrew (January 2008) took a distinct approach to the style in which the play was both rehearsed and performed. Eight actors used renaissance and early modern staging practices as their guide to create a unique production. The cast played multiple roles, had audience on three sides of the stage, and performed the show with the lights on both the audience and the actors. The most notable renaissance practice was that there were no directors or designers involved in the production. By bringing into play these original practices the actors were challenged to make bold choices, push their limits, and work together as a company.

 

Actors Joan Cummins, Alex Richardson, Julia Sears and Ian Terry in rehearsal for 'Shrew'.




Cast and Crew of Taming of the Shrew

Cast:

Bianca Minola/Grumio: Joan Cummins

Tranio
/Nicholas/Widow: Frances Koogler

Baptista Minola/Curtis/Old Man: Matthew Minnicino

Biondello
/Joseph: Amalia Oswald

Petruccio: Alex Richardson


Katherine Minola: Julia Sears


Hortensio/Walter: Lucy Shapiro

Lucentio/Sugarsop: Ian Terry

Gremio/Nathaniel/Haberdasher/Tailor: Nico Zevallos

Crew:

Producer: Elizabeth Nearing

Producer
: Julia Sears

Program Design: Frances Koogler

Program Design
: Nico Zevallos

Poster Design: Frances Koogler