About the show
Inspired by Naomi Alderman’s groundbreaking feminist novel , a new matriarchal interpretation of Shakespeare’s gender comedy The Taming of the Shrew comes to the Barbican in November.
In this gender-swapped production, Baptista Minola is hoping to marry off her two sons, the kind-hearted Bianco – who has no shortage of admirers - and the rebellious Katherine – who is a little more difficult. What follows is a farcical courtship and a witty, questioning portrayal of hierarchy and feminism.
As well as currently standing as Artistic Director of young people’s theatre the Unicorn, Justin Audibert has recently been working successfully with the RSC, including acclaimed productions of The Jew of Malta and Chinese classic Snow in Midsummer. In his new production, Audibert will take a story of female subjugation that is becoming progressively harder to stage and turn everything on its head.
The Barbican’s production stars Amanda Harris (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pride and Prejudice) as Baptista, James Cooney (Hamlet, This Must Be the Place) as Bianco, and Joseph Arkley (Julius Caesar, Mort D’Arthur) as Katherine, all of whom will also star in the season’s Measure for Measure.
A fiercely energetic and strikingly fresh production, The Taming of the Shrew plays at the Barbican from 5th November.
Age Recommendations: Recommended 10+
In this gender-swapped production, Baptista Minola is hoping to marry off her two sons, the kind-hearted Bianco – who has no shortage of admirers - and the rebellious Katherine – who is a little more difficult. What follows is a farcical courtship and a witty, questioning portrayal of hierarchy and feminism.
As well as currently standing as Artistic Director of young people’s theatre the Unicorn, Justin Audibert has recently been working successfully with the RSC, including acclaimed productions of The Jew of Malta and Chinese classic Snow in Midsummer. In his new production, Audibert will take a story of female subjugation that is becoming progressively harder to stage and turn everything on its head.
The Barbican’s production stars Amanda Harris (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pride and Prejudice) as Baptista, James Cooney (Hamlet, This Must Be the Place) as Bianco, and Joseph Arkley (Julius Caesar, Mort D’Arthur) as Katherine, all of whom will also star in the season’s Measure for Measure.
A fiercely energetic and strikingly fresh production, The Taming of the Shrew plays at the Barbican from 5th November.
Recommended for
If you like modern interpretations of Shakespearian classics, then this production is certainly the one for you!Age Recommendations: Recommended 10+
