Taming of the Shrew

[bardiphouka]

Like many of Shakespeare's comedies, we really end up not liking any of the characters. Unless, of course, you see the musical version?

Comments

[silme.livejournal.com]

Oh, I don't know. I've taught this play for years -- and I really do feel that both Katarina and Petruchio are quite likeable, especially by the end of the play when they've basically 'tamed' each other. Considering previous shrew taming stories and plays, this one is quite tame and actually demonstrates how Kate does want a husband, but she wants one that is more of her equal -- not any of the men who have been avoiding her.

Have you seen the BBC Shakespeare re-done version with Shirley Henderson and Rufus Sewell?

[bardiphouka.livejournal.com]

alas I have not. And I just, it is not just the main characters..by the end of the play I really did not like anyone. As opposed to Kiss Me Kate.

[silme.livejournal.com]

Ah, I just love this play because it's just so clever. You also might try The Tamer Tamed, if you've not read/seen it.

The Shakespeare re-done is fun. It came out when I was still teaching this play at GCSE (US 9th-10th grades) and I would show it to them before reading the play. It worked to get to them hooked.

It's on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ1U5XTR148&feature=related

[bardiphouka.livejournal.com]

If I remember properly, I think I saw their version of Midsummer Night's Dream?

[silme.livejournal.com]

I don't know -- you might have. Different writers and different actors were used for each one. Billie Piper was in their version of Much Ado. Johnny Vegas and Imelda Staunton were in the Dream.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/tvdramas.shtml

[bookgirlwa.livejournal.com]

Ha! Excellent choice - and coincidentally I rewatched this for the millionth time the other day.