HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-06-11, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 1997
Theatre review
Stratford Festival handles ‘Shrew’ deftly
The master nears
Stephen Ouimette as Grumio, the servant of Petruchio,
warns the staff that the master is soon to arrive, during
Stratford Festival's production of Taming of the Shrew.
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
In a play which could be unpalat
able for liberated and equal-minded
people of the 1990s, one of Shake
speare’s earliest writings, Taming
of the Shrew, is handled deftly and
with true 20th century humour in
the Stratford Festival production.
The shrew, portrayed by Lucy
Peacock as Katnna, is definitely a
strong, determined person, not one
to cross whether male or female.
However, set in Little Italy in New
York City in the-early 1960s, she
falls under the old world rules and
traditions of her elderly father.
Possessing a personality even
father Baptiste, wonderfully played
by John Gilbert, has difficulty lov
ing, he must have Katrina wed
before the younger, apparently
sweeter, sister Bianca (Cynthia
Dale) is betrothed.
With the promise of the family
fortune and bonuses from suitors of
the younger daughter, an appropri
ately strong-willed man is found
who is willing to take on the task of
taming Katrina.
When Petruchio (Peter Donald
son) returns to his home with his
newly- acquired wife Katrina, his
treatment of her is atrocious and
could be very disturbing to those
who have fought for equal treat
ment of all people. Katrina is treat
ed like a disobedient pet, one who
must be subdued and taught man
ners. Her sustenance is withheld
untH she can resist no more.
However, somewhere in their
battles with each other, Petruchio
and Katrina seem to develop a
respect and, yes, even a love for the
strength and spirit of the other.
The pair develop a partnership
against the world who would chide
them.
Though the end does not justify
the means, the 1990’s version of
Taming of the Shrew has an updat
ed taste which is far easier to swal
low than Shakespeare’s writings
where Katrina waxes eloquently
about a wife’s duties to her hus
band.
Beyond the story of the shrew,
the characterizations by each per
former were excellent.
Donaldson is noteworthy as the
strong Petruchio who believes he
can conquer anything and anyone,
for the right price. His laugh is
truly maniacal and his confidence
is evident as he tells his friends that
they are but novices in the ways of
taming. And yet, by the end, there
is a twinkle in his eye when Katrina
enters.
Peacock’s portrayal of Katrina
railing against the old traditions of
an arranged marriage is vividly
depicted by the anger in her eyes
and even as her defiance wanes, the
spark remains. The reason for that
spark is understood in the closing
minutes.
One of the funniest scenes occurs
early during their acquaintance. As
Petruchio tries to convince her she
will wed him and that it is the best
thing for her, she defiantly pushes
his chair across the stage and
smashes an egg atop his head. The
two break into riotous laughter only
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to have Katrina realize she is actu
ally enjoying the battle. She quick
ly retreats to her sour persona.
Even in a relatively small role as
Grumio, Petruchio’s servant,
Stephen Ouimette is amazing in his
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physical performance. His presence
on the stage is always a stimulus
for laughter.
Even for those unaccustomed to
Shakespeare, Taming of the Shrew
can be thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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