William Penn Theater Offers A Shakespeare Classic

William Penn Theater Presents 'The Taming of the Shrew'

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The William Penn Theater will be performing the classic ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ for 3 showings this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The audience will have the opportunity to sit on stage around the actors as they perform this classic piece.

The comedic play, written by Shakespeare around 1591 in which one mischievous nobleman persuades a drunken tinker into believing he is a nobleman himself.

The plot as described by Wikipedia ‘The main plot depicts the courtship of Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona, and Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship, but Petruchio tempers her with various psychological torments—the “taming”—until she becomes a compliant and obedient bride. The subplot features a competition between the suitors of Katherina’s more desirable sister, Bianca.’

‘The play’s apparent misogynistic elements have become the subject of considerable controversy, particularly among modern audiences and readers. It has nevertheless been adapted numerous times for stage, screen, opera, and musical theatre; perhaps the most famous adaptations being Cole Porter’s musical Kiss Me, Kate and the film 10 Things I Hate About You.’

You can catch the show at George Daily Auditorium Thursday and Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. The admission is free.