Learning Guide: The Taming of the Shrew
Check out these resources for academics, enthusiasts, and educators to support your learning and viewing of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, directed and adapted by Marti Lyons.
Background
- Synopsis and Characters: Read a detailed synopsis of the play, get to know the characters of The Taming of the Shrew, and dive into the production’s adapted framing device.
- Historical Background, Dramaturgy, and Design: Explore the historical context of The Taming of the Shrew, its dramaturgy, and the design of Court Theatre’s production.
Activities and Resources
- Glossary: Familiarize yourself with essential vocabulary words from the play.
- Pre-Show Classroom Activity: Engage students with the misogynistic language in The Taming of the Shrew with this activity that invites them to paraphrase and analyze quotes from the play.
- Post-Show Discussion Activity: Dive into discussion questions to explore themes and impressions of The Taming of the Shrew.
- Post-Show Classroom Activity: Guide students to create an original adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew in this activity.
Articles
- Desire, Courtship, and Marriage: “Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper; Thy head, thy sovereign.” Says who?
- The Match and the Tinder Box: “Each syncs with the other’s kinks.” University of Chicago professor Ellen MacKay assesses Kate and Petruchio’s relationship, and the very nature of marriage, at the heart of The Taming of the Shrew.
- In Conversation: Actors Melisa Soledad Pereyra and Jay Whittaker: The Taming of the Shrew is celebrated, contested, reimagined, and resisted. And actors Melisa Soledad Pereyra and Jay Whittaker can’t wait to dive in.
Photos and Videos
Feedback
We’d love to hear what you think of our Learning Guides! Please complete this brief survey to share your feedback.