The Taming of the Shrew

Written by William Shakespeare

Narrated by LibriVox Community

The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare's earliest comedies, and was inspired by classical Roman comedy and the Italian commedia dell'arte. Baptista Minola, a rich gentleman of Padua, has two daughters: Katherina, renowned for her sharp tongue, and Bianca, who is sought after by multiple suitors. Baptista decides that Bianca cannot marry until her elder sister finds a husband. Enter Petruchio, who has come to "wive it wealthily in Padua," and who is convinced by Bianca's suitors to woo Katherina. The play ultimately poses the question of who is the bigger shrew: Kate or Petruchio. The subplot involves the subterfuge employed by Lucentio to woo the lovely Bianca. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Cast:

Lord: Bob Sherman
Christopher Sly: David Lawrence
Hostess, Widow: Neeru Iyer
Page: Arielle Lipshaw
Players, Tranio, Nicholas: Elizabeth Klett
First Huntsman, Peter: Glenn Simonsen
Servant, Haberdasher, Nathaniel: Laurie Anne Walden
Baptista Minola: Ernst Pattynama
Vincentio: Mark F. Smith
Lucentio: mb
Petruchio: Bellona Times
Gremio: Rat King
Hortensio: Miriam Esther Goldman
Biondello: Matthew Ward
Grumio: Denny Sayers
Curtis: MGVestal
Pedant: Tom Hackett
Katherina: Kristin Hughes
Bianca: Musicalheart1
Tailor, Second Servant: Michael Wolf
Second Huntsman: Katalina Watt
First Servant: Abigail Bartels
Third Servant: von
Joseph: redaer
Philip: Lucy Perry
Narrator: Availle

Audio edited by: Elizabeth Klett and Arielle Lipshaw

• Language: English
• Publisher: LibriVox
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is arguably the most famous playwright to ever live. Born in England, he attended grammar school but did not study at a university. In the 1590s, Shakespeare worked as partner and performer at the London-based acting company, the King’s Men. His earliest plays were Henry VI and Richard III, both based on the historical figures. During his career, Shakespeare produced nearly 40 plays that reached multiple countries and cultures. Some of his most notable titles include Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar. His acclaimed catalog earned him the title of the world’s greatest dramatist.