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.
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