The Taming of the Shrew

William Shakespeare

Petruchio, a fortune hunter, attempts to tame the sharp-tongued Katherine into marriage, while her sister Bianca is pursued by multiple suitors. It is a controversial comedy of gender roles and psychological warfare.

Katherine, Petruchio, Bianca, Baptista

First Performance: 1594, at Globe Theatre, London

A high-energy, physical comedy that was extremely popular in the Elizabethan era despite its problematic modern themes.

Original Actors: Unknown