Ivo van Hove . Toneelgroep Amsterdam

In Padua, where 'The Taming of the Shrew' is set, society is ruled by money and the pursuit of profit, by economic rather than ethical principles. This 'pleasant garden in the sublime Italy', temple of the Renaissance and commercial capitalism, is an immaculate city where excess is allowed only once a year, during the carnival. Katherina is the wilful daughter of the tradesman Baptista. She rejects every offer of marriage. People consider her sullen and call her a shrew. Petruchio takes up the challenge and wins: Katherina submits. According to Ivo van Hove 'The Taming of the Shrew' is more than just a light sixteenth-century comedy on seduction or the battle of the sexes. In his interpretation of the play, in addition to Shakespeare's undisguised criticism of society, he emphasises the hidden tenderness between the two lovers and their struggle for each other in a unique loving relationship that is free of any political or commercial considerations.