Taming of the Shrew
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Director Jonathan Lowery has set the play in 2015, where the roles and rules for women and men have significantly changed from Shakespeare’s time 400 years ago! The story of unwed
Katherine, pressured by her father to marry, and Petruchio, a suitor hoping to gain wealth and status as her husband, unfolds quite differently in this more current time.
“At its heart, this is a play about seeking healthy and authentic relationships,” according to Lowery. “Moving the story to a more recent time gives modern audiences an opportunity to
engage with the play’s original intent in a new way. The same words heard centuries ago take on a different tone and meaning.”
For Shakespeare’s characters living in the 21 st century, restrictions—especially for young women—are replaced with very different expectations for them. Daily use of cell phones, texting over talking, the effects of social media and sometimes powerful role of social media influencers have a different impact. Public versus private personas can also be different for both men and
women.
Another twist for audiences will be an opportunity to view a live social media feed on their cell phones with characters in the play sharing off-stage thoughts and feelings. These messages will
be a somewhat modern version of theatrical “asides” when actors turn to make short remarks directly to the audience.
Katherine, pressured by her father to marry, and Petruchio, a suitor hoping to gain wealth and status as her husband, unfolds quite differently in this more current time.
“At its heart, this is a play about seeking healthy and authentic relationships,” according to Lowery. “Moving the story to a more recent time gives modern audiences an opportunity to
engage with the play’s original intent in a new way. The same words heard centuries ago take on a different tone and meaning.”
For Shakespeare’s characters living in the 21 st century, restrictions—especially for young women—are replaced with very different expectations for them. Daily use of cell phones, texting over talking, the effects of social media and sometimes powerful role of social media influencers have a different impact. Public versus private personas can also be different for both men and
women.
Another twist for audiences will be an opportunity to view a live social media feed on their cell phones with characters in the play sharing off-stage thoughts and feelings. These messages will
be a somewhat modern version of theatrical “asides” when actors turn to make short remarks directly to the audience.
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Where is it happening?
Highland Bowl, 1153 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620-2734, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherRochester Community Players
