The longtime volunteer artistic organization, Actors Ensemble of Berkeley, is presenting a charming and amusing version of “The Taming of the Shrew.” It is delightful outdoor entertainment for a summer afternoon — and it’s free! Directed by Jay Manley with assistance from Jane Goodwin, the comedy is not too complicated or convoluted, yet has enough substance and physical comedy to keep audience members of varying ages diverted throughout the afternoon. And the sexist nature of the play has been softened and shortened to make it more palatable to 21st century audiences.
The plot revolves around the volatile courtship between the clever Petruchio (Dominic Canty) and the shrewish Katherine (Audrey Shultz), daughter of a wealthy man, Baptista (Evan Mooney). Katherine is known throughout the Italian city of Padua for her legendary temper. Because Katherine does not live up to society’s expectations that she act like a demure upper-class young maiden, she faces disapproval, feels alienated and unhappy, and acts out. It’s a very standard psychological reaction.
Her father, Minola, has decided that no suitor may court Katherine’s younger, mild-mannered sister Bianca (J.V.) until Katherine is married. Bianca has three suitors, Gremio (Bruce Kaplan), Hortensio (Abe Karplus), and Lucentio (Ryan Chu). The three scheme and disguise themselves to stay near her.
Petruchio, who “comes to wife it wealthily in Padua,” marries Katherine and claims her valuable dowry. After their wedding, he proceeds to subdue her irritability and petulance. Petruchio “tames” Katherine by keeping her from eating or sleeping for several days. He says that he loves her so much that she is too good to eat his substandard fare or to sleep in his poorly made bed. In famous scenes, Petruchio compels Katherine to say that the sun is the moon and that an old man is actually a beautiful young maiden. Since Katherine’s willfulness is lessening as they spend time together, she agrees that her husband is right.
As well-directed by Jay Manley with Jane Goodwin, we see real affection develop between Katherine and Petruchio by the end of the production. The cast is first-rate, especially Dominic Canty, Ryan Chu, Audrey Shultz, and J. V. I encourage you to come to the John Hinkel Park Amphitheater in the next few weeks to see for yourself.
We in Berkeley are fortunate to have nonprofit theater producers such as Actors Ensemble, the longest-running theatrical organization in Berkeley. Out of pure love of theater, they have presented cultural offerings at no cost or affordable prices since 1957, with free productions in John Hinkel Park since 2013. “The Taming of the Shrew” is the last show of this summer’s season.
“The Taming of the Shrew” plays at the John Hinkel Park Amphitheater, Berkeley, California, Saturdays and Sundays through August 31, 2005, at 4:00 p.m., plus a special show on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025. All shows are free of charge! The amphitheater can seat 300 people; seating is not assigned. Just bring a pillow, blanket, or lawn chair, and enjoy. The performance is about 140 minutes, including a short intermission. Grilled hot dogs, veggie dogs, and corn on the cob are available at intermission (suggested donation of $8). Parking is limited to neighboring residential streets. For information and reservations (encouraged but not necessary): https://buytickets.at/actorsensemble/1724217. For those visitors who need mobility assistance, info@aeofberkeley.org
