Variety reports that “The Taming of the Shrew” began previews on Tuesday night in Manhattan’s Central Park as part of the Public Theater’s annual Shakespeare in the Park season. The controversial 16th century comedy centers on the relentless and violent efforts of a young suitor, Petruchio, to subdue the headstrong Katerina, and convince her to marry him.
To tackle the challenging theme, director Phyllida Lloyd, who also helmed “The Iron Lady” and “Mama Mia!,” only cast women — a style she perfected recently with all-female productions of “Julius Caesar” and “Henry IV.” The Good Wife’s Cush Jumbostars as Katerina, and Petruchio is played by Tony-winner Janet McTeer.
Variety spoke with Lloyd about the challenges of staging a play outdoors, why she prefers doing single gender productions of Shakespeare, and if the Bard of Avon was a feminist. “The Taming of the Shrew” runs through June 26 at the Delacorte. To read the interview in its entirety, click here.