The Taming of the Shrew is a sparkling ballet concert performance infused with dynamic energy and witty humour, in which William Shakespeare’s comedy comes alive as a vivid journey through time. Love, calculation, misunderstandings, and passion unfold in a kaleidoscopic form that transcends the boundaries of historical eras.
Conceived as a stylistic voyage from the Baroque period to the present day, the concert performance brings together the musical, choreographic, costume, and visual languages of different epochs. This approach weaves into a unified whole the music of Luigi Boccherini, Giovanni Botessini, Claude Debussy, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jāzeps Vītols, Alfred Schnittke, Uģis Prauliņš, and other composers, combined with multilayered choreography and multimedia scenographic solutions.
The Taming of the Shrew is an original artistic work by choreographer Regīna Kaupuža, created as part of her graduation from the professional doctoral programme Arts at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music.
The chamber orchestra of students from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music performs in the production.
Act I
The ballet is set in Padua, which in the sixteenth century was regarded as a cradle of the arts.
The wealthy merchant Baptista is in the town square, along with his daughters – the coquettish Bianca and the aloof Katherina. Joined by Bianca’s two older admirers, Hortensio and Gremio, he discusses possible marriage arrangements. Baptista is not troubled by their difference in age. However, in keeping with tradition, he does have one firm condition: the stubborn and shrewish Katherina must be married off first. Owing to her untamed character, she has rejected every suitor.
The young romantic Lucentio has also arrived in Padua from Pisa with a friend. They wish to study here. At the sight of Bianca, he cannot take his eyes off her and feels the spark of love ignite.
Unexpectedly, the daredevil Petruchio also arrives in the square from Verona. He wants to find a wealthy wife who will run his household in Verona where he has inherited a house. Seizing the opportunity, Hortensio and Gremio decide to persuade Petruchio to marry Katherina, so that they can have a chance to ask for Bianca’s hand in marriage.
Petruchio challenges Katherina to a verbal duel, during which he comes to appreciate her independent and free-spirited nature. Seeing the advantages, Petruchio agrees to the marriage. He concludes a marriage contract with Baptista, disregarding Katherina’s objections.
Meanwhile, Hortensio and Gremio begin their struggle for Bianca’s hand. Like Lucentio, they disguise themselves and pretend to be teachers. As the music lesson unfolds, Bianca and Lucentio become more and more attracted to each other, confessing their feelings.
Katherina has no choice but to comply with the marriage contract. On the wedding day, the guests have gathered and await Petruchio, who has been delayed for quite some time. Katherina is in despair. At last, Petruchio arrives, marries her without any special ceremony, and takes Katherina away to Verona.
Act II
Petruchio’s house in Verona. As they await the arrival of their master and his new wife, the servants are beside themselves with joy. Petruchio and Katherina return home exhausted after the long journey. Petruchio orders the servants to lay the table for them.
Dinner becomes a true test of Katherina and Petruchio’s relationship. The two learn to understand one another, feel a deep emotional kinship, and realise that they are truly in love.
To celebrate this triumph of genuine feeling, they return to Baptista’s house, where the weddings of three couples are being celebrated. Katherina and Petruchio are united in love, together with Bianca and Lucentio, as well as Hortensio and the Governess.
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