The Taming of The Shrew, All-Women Staged Reading, Austin Shakespeare, March 25 - 27

Much of the comedy in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew arises from farcical transformation. Lucentio changes places with his servant Tranio; both suitors to the fair Bianca disguise themselves as tutors; an aged traveler is intimidated into playing the part of wealthy old Vincentio, Lucentio's father. And of course, the titular shrew of the piece, "Kate the curs't," is a woman seeking to assert her rights to autonomy, choice and respect, as if she had all the rights of a man!

The Elizabethans had no problem with that. In the post-show discussion on opening night, University of Texas prof Dr. Emily Richmond-Garza, head of the comp lit department, reminded actors and audience that in the theatre of Shakespeare's time there were two sure-fire crowd-pleasing delights: fights and wife-beatings.

Our own time finds it difficult to swallow the basic premise of The Taming of The Shrew, which is Petruccio's macho conquering, abasement and subjugation of Kate. Earnest apologia or exculpations appear in director's notes for some productions. Some directors emphasize Kate's intelligence and wiliness, providing interpretations and stage business indicating that rather than capitulating to Petruccio, she has in fact outsmarted him and everyone else.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Shakespeare's Husbands & Wives, adapted and directed by Jill K. Swanson, February 24 - March 5

In this diverse fast-food town you can even get tasty Bard bits in a quick drive-by. No carry-outs, other than the program for Shakespeare's Husbands & Wives, but you're assured of comfortable seating and a varied menu at a session only 40 minutes in length. This Wednesday through Friday only, at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale Road, for the modest contribution of $10.

Jill K. Swanson has appeared often on Austin stages over the past dozen years, and she is the guiding spirit at Austin Shakespeare's weekly Sunday afternoon Shakespeareklatches, more properly titled "Shakespeare Aloud." For two hours every Sunday, usually from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the doors are open to anyone who wants to participate in reading and commenting upon whichever of the Bard's works is on the table. Right now they're reading Henry V.

Swanson assembled short scenes from seven of the plays and invited eleven actors to play them. She comments in program notes, "Shakespeare dives right in and explores these issues [of matrimonial relations], weaving all kinds of marriages into his plays, while the plays themselves are often on another subject entirely. . . . Each scene reflects a different dynamic, perhaps one you recognize from your own marriage."

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Shakespeare's Husbands and Wives, Blue Theatre, February 24 - March 5

UPDATE: Click for ALT review, March 1



Found on-line:

Shakespeare’s Husbands & Wives

adapted & directed by Jill K. Swanson
February 24 - 26, March 3 - 5
Wednesdays - Fridays at 8 p.m.
The Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale Road, Austin, located behind Goodwill
Tickets: $10 at the door, student tickets half-price

Portia asks Brutus, “Am I yourself, but, as it were, in sort or limitation, to keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, and talk to you sometimes?"

While a wedding is the end to many a Shakespeare play, it’s only the beginning of the journey of marriage. After the world wind of romance, comes the hard work of balancing the dynamics of two people, building one life out of two and struggling with jealousy, equality, teamwork and disparate goals.

Join us nightly as these actors explore the dynamics of married life as seen through the spouses of Shakespeare’s plays. Each scene reflects a different dynamic, perhaps one you will recognize from your own marriage.

Featuring: Michael Amendola, Kathy Rose Center, Shauna Danos, Bridget Farias, Alejandro McDonald-Villarreal, Erin Molson, Robert Moncrieff, Garry Peters, Laura Ray, Robert Stevens, Heath Thompson & Katie Van Winkle.

Jill K. Swanson is co-editor and contributor of 111 Shakespeare Monologues and 60 Shakespeare Scenes by L.E. McCullough and Lisa Bansavage.

As You Like It, Scottish Rite Theatre, August 7 - 30

As You Like It is one of the gentlest and most whimsical of Shakespeare's works, a playful edifice built on oppositions.

The court versus the forest, autocratic older brothers excluding younger brothers; lovers vying in vain for their ladies and, inevitably, a fair maid cross-dressing as a fair youth.

An aged servant finances with his last savings the flight into the forest of his impetuous young master; that master braves a fight for the sake of his ancient retainer but instead of armed resistance meets open handed generosity.

A witty, carefree fool flings himself into lusty romance; a melancholy gentleman observes, philosophizes and abstains from the world.

"As you like it . . . ." Perhaps the enigmatic ad libertam title doesn't immediately conjur up the plot for you?

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .