Christopher Sly, a congenial drunk flung out of a bar by the pub's hostess, falls into a deep sleep and dreams a dream. That dream is the story of the taming of Katherina, the Shrew, by Petruchio. This play within a dream, with its wild and giddy uses of disguises, mistaken identities, and confusions provides comedy for all. Circus owner Petruchio drags Katherina into a mad, topsy-turvy world of clowns, jugglers, tumblers, a lion and Petruchio's spaniel, Troilus. Through this comic, and at times brutal, chaos, two of Shakespeare's most celebrated lovers encounter a rugged path to true love.
The Taming of the Shrew, directed by Roy Sargeant, promises to be charming, sexy, dignified, full of surprises, yet faithful to Shakespeare's meaning. Set and costumes are designed by Dicky Longhurst within a contemporary setting with a touch of modern pizzazz. It stars a young, talented cast with Anthea Thompson as Katherina and Grant Swanby as Petruchio.
The Taming of the Shrew opens on Saturday, 15 January at 8.15pm. Early-bird patrons can enjoy specially discounted preview tickets at two for the price of one on 11 and 12 January at 8.15pm.
Other discounted packages are on 17, 18, 24, 25 January at 7.15pm (please note earlier starting time) - book between four and six tickets at R100 or R110 per ticket.
Special performances for learners are 26, 31 January, 1, 2, 7, 8 February at 7.45pm; ticket prices are R50.
Full ticket prices are R100, R130, R150. Block-booking discounts are available from Artscape Box Office or Computicket.
On Monday, 14 February at 8.15pm, Katherina and Petruchio will celebrate Valentine's Day with love and red roses with the patrons. A lucky ticket draw will be another highlight of this evening.
Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat +27 (0)21 421 7695 or at the Maynardville Box Office, an hour prior to the performance.
