THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. To 25 August.

Oxford

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
by William Shakespeare

Oxford Castle To 25 August 2007
Tue-Sun also Mon 19 August 7pm
Runs 2hr 20min One interval

TICKETS: 01865 766266
Review: Timothy Ramsden 5 August

Free spirits avoiding the gilded cage.
Oxford Castle’s courtyard makes an awkward open-air space for Creation Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s awkward battle-of-the-sexes comedy. Director Heather Davies deals well with the problem by emphasising the main action as a play supposedly ordered by a group of hunting aristocrats to make fun of drunken commoner Christopher Sly.

Areas outside the three banks of audience seating serve for visible backstage activities, while the players acting-out the Sly drama arrive by Ford Fiesta with attached trailer. And later, Petruchio turns up for his wedding, then carries Kate off, on his motor-bike.

In Shakespeare’s all-male acting companies the idea of a male servant passing himself off as Mrs Sly doubtless worked a treat; today it becomes burlesque, unbelievable even with a Sly who emerges from his stupor only to reject proffered wine in favour of his preferred cans of bitter.

More importantly, any production faces making palatable a “taming” that’s effectively physical and mental torture. It can’t work fully. Ben Joiner’s Petruchio helps, providing moments of realisation that show he, as well as Kate, has something to learn.

But Emma Pallant’s performance is the main reason for seeing this production. Without overemphasising Katherine as an outcast shrugged off by her family, and a lovers’ no-go area, her strength of character comes clearly through.

Distaste and disbelief at Petruchio develop into appreciation of his wit, the unexpectedness of his approach, and the interest he shows in her. This is clearly a meeting of strong individuals; only one facial expression in her final submission speech risks suggesting a failure of nerve rather than positive realisation.

Elsewhere she remains in charge of herself, playing him at his own game. And his response as she kneels to put her hand beneath his feet, kneeling with her and encouraging her to stand over him, seals the amity.

This may not be as detailed or refined as some productions, but it's an intelligent approach. Kate and Petruchio finish all smiles while Bianca sits scowling at what looks a bad deal for her. And Isla Shaw’s set-piece gilded cage makes its own comment on the play’s marriage game.

Hortensio/Pedant/Servant: Darrell Brockis
Baptista/Christopher Sly/Haberdasher: Richard Burnip
Lucentio/Tailor/Servant: Tim Daish
Petruchio/Lord: Ben Joiner
Grumio/Vincentio/Page: Richard Kidd
Gremio: Andrew Macbean
Katherine: Emma Pallant
Tranio/Nathanial: Michael Palmer
Bianca/Biondello: Jo Theaker

Director: Heather Davies
Designer: Isla Shaw
Movement: Anna Morrissey
Voice/Verse coach: Richard Ryder
Fight director: Jonathan Waller

2007-08-07 13:07:22