theater: “Shrew” gets gender flip for a new look
Shakespeare’s problematic “The Taming of the Shrew” has been deconstructed and rearranged through the years by scholars as well as artists trying to come to terms with the most sexist play in the canon. The latest revamp— by Denver’s newest theater company, Lost and Found Productions, in the group’s first effort— features reversed genders. It may be more intriguing the better you know the original.
This feminist reading of “Shrew,” set in the 1960s with contemporary asides and thoroughly modern instincts, runs through Sunday at the Bug Theatre. Think of it as “KissMe, Nate.” Yelps, high- fives, OMGs and eye- rolls give the project an update ( sometimes more contemporary than ’ 60s- era mod) surrounding the Shakespearian dialogue. When it’s working, the tone is reminiscent of a colorful Baz Luhrmann film adaptation, a goofy mashup of modern sensibility and the Bard’s text. Women play the men’s roles and vice versa, illuminating the inequities. Petruchia intends to “curb the mad and headstrong humour” of Nathan. And on it goes, the conceit at times wearing thin.
Luckily, the impressive sly comedic chops of Allison Learned as Petruchia carry the evening.
Transporting the tale to the ’ 60s seems an arbitrary choice ( a reference to women’s lib, according to program notes) but allows for fun costuming with white patent- leather boots, a medley of orange polyesters, paisleys and such. Imagine a tangerine dream as an antidote to misogyny. The wardrobes brighten the whole endeavor.
The role reversals — a female Petruchia bends the wild and stubborn Nate to her will while his brother Bianco is wooed by two female suitors— underscore the patriarchal assumptions of the original play.
The verbal sparring and sexual puns of the original are accented by the ongoing chaos and physical zaniness in this version directed by Deb Flomberg.
An awkward set design requires cast members to negotiate an effortful step up and down across the middle of the stage. Careful in those platform shoes! It was a distraction, but, glad to report, nobody tripped.