21, 24, 29 novembre et 1er décembre 2007

The Taming of the Shrew

By : William Shakespeare
Directed by  : Patrick Neilson

McGill University's Department of English kicks off its season with Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. This controversial and classic tale of deception, courtship and the ultimate love-hate relationship takes us through the age-old complexities of marriage and courtship, featuring some of the most spirited battles of wit ever written for the stage.

Balancing sophisticated word play and broad slapstick is director Patrick Neilson. "The Taming of the Shrew really is the perfect marriage between high and low comedy," he says. "There's a focus on movement in this production as we really wanted to match that tongue in cheek dialogue with physical farce to capture the bubbling chemistry between Kate and Petruchio."

Neilson does not shy away from the controversy surrounding the play's ending. "Many productions drop Kate's last speech thinking that is sends an anti-feminist message," he suggests. "In reality, there is a gentle irony in those lines and it is up to the director and actor to tease it out."

The production draws inspiration from classic fairy tales and the vibrant Italian Commedia dell'Arte tradition with sumptuous costumes and elegant set design from the acclaimed team responsible for the last year's hit production of The Merchant of Venice.

Assistant direction : Jessica B. Hill
Set Design : Patrick Neilson
Props & Scenic Painting : Ariane Genet
Costume Design : Catherine Bradley and the Costume Class
Design & Construction : Keith Roche and the Stage, Scenery & Lightning Class

Wednesday, Novembre 21,
Saturday, Novembre 24,
Thursday, November 29,
Saturday, December 1st
8 PM
Admission: 10$ Adult, 5$ Studients/Seniors/Groups

Moyse Hall, McGill University Arts Building
853 Sherbrooke St. West
Reservations : 514.398-6070