The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. The main plot depicts the courtship of Petruchio and Katherina, the headstrong, obstinate “shrew”.

Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship. However, Petruchio attempts to “tame” her through various forms of psychological torment, including depriving her of food and sleep, until she appears to become a compliant and obedient bride.

About the Production

During the photoshoot for the play, Gerson da Cunha and Pearl Waiz, who played the lead roles, would not fit into the frame vertically because Gerson was much taller than Pearl. Alyque therefore made Gerson kneel for the photograph.

This was the first Shakespearean play that Alyque Padamsee and Gerson da Cunha performed at St. Xavier’s College. It was also Alyque’s first directorial production in 1954, funded by his father.

Gerson played Petruchio opposite Pearl Waiz as Katherina. Pearl portrayed a wilful shrew who gradually becomes tamed, while Alyque’s interpretation presented Petruchio as a man initially attracted by Katherina’s dowry who slowly falls in love with his wife.

The play was an early success for the Theatre Group following Ebrahim Alkazi’s departure to establish his own Theatre Unit.