[theatre]

Domestic Disorder:
Shakespeare on the Green presents ‘The Taming of the Shrew’

By: MJ Pendleton

Because drama critics are frequently guilty of ignoring historical context, Shakespeare has been labeled a misogynist, despite the psychological complexity of most of his female characters. A very strict adherence to class and gender status was simply the reality of the time. In the patriarchal society of 16th and 17th century England, religious, political, and domestic order was structured around a hierarchy of power. Conforming to each level of social status was perceived essential in preserving the prevailing cultural values.

In 1631 Lord Castlehaven was tried, convicted and beheaded ostensibly for sodomizing a manservant, and inciting his footman to rape his wife, Lady Castlehaven. Cynthia Herrup, author of A House in Gross Disorder, suggests that Castlehaven was actually executed because of his blatant disregard of social order, not for sexual misconduct. Furthermore, onsorting with servants potentially threatened the purity of noble bloodlines. Castlehaven additionally antagonized his peers, as well as King Charles I, by disinheriting his son and giving some of his land to favored servants. Such aberrant behavior bordered on the treasonous.

“The Taming of the Shrew” cannot be interpreted from a modern point of view because domestic disorder at that time in history challenged the power of the nobility, the King, and even God (who was apparently perceived as male). Many Shakespeare plays explore the universal theme of order and chaos because it reflected the carefully structured nature of society at that time.

In “The Taming of The Shrew,” Baptista, the patriarch of the Minola family, has no control over his spirited and rebellious daughter, Kate, and not much hope of finding her a husband because of her unconventional independence. He is relieved when Petruchio, unintimidated by Kate, proposes marriage—with a substantial dowry, of course. The play can be and has been interpreted many different ways.

Director Ed Wagenseller considers it a “Renaissance romance and a farcical love story.” He believes Petruchio and Kate fall in love at first sight, though Allison Cornett (Kate) thinks that Petruchio ultimately “earns Kate’s respect and love.”

Justin Smith (Petruchio) agrees that it is a love story, describing the lovers as the “Bonnie and Clyde of Shakespearean times.” The volatile and even violent nature of the relationship between two passionate characters is familiar to modern audiences, and has an enduring comic appeal.

“The Taming of the Shrew” is the perfect choice of plays to open the 16th annual Shakespeare on the Green Festival because it is energetic, entertaining and just plain fun. The performance will take place at the newly constructed $1.2 million Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Wagenseller has been involved with the festival since directing the first play in 1993.

“Shakespeare on the Green is unlike any other theater experience in Wilmington,” he said. “Nothing can match what we have done in that park for the last 16 years.”

So bring a blanket and a picnic, bring a date, bring the family, bring the neighbors, because Shakespeare on the Green is an extraordinary experience for everyone—and it’s free! Oh, yes, and bring the bug spray.

“The Taming of the Shrew” plays at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater June 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 20th-22nd and 26th-29th at 8pm.