The Taming
of the Shrew

Act I

Outside Baptista’s House
Hortensio, a fop, Lucentio a student, and Gremio, an elderly roué, serenade the beautiful Bianca. Their love songs are brusquely interrupted by Katherina, Bianca’s older sister. Their father Baptista explains to the suitors that Katherina, as the elder of his two daughters, must marry first. Neighbours, awakened by the noise, chase the thwarted lovers away.

A Tavern
Petruchio, a gentleman of more generosity than means is stripped of his last penny by two ladies of dubious origins. Bianca’s three suitors suggest that he might be interested in the charms and the fortune of Katherina. He agrees.

Inside Baptista’s House
Bianca muses about her preferences among the three suitors; she is interrupted by a jealous outburst from Katherina who calls her a scheming flirt. This dispute is cut short by the arrival of Petruchio accompanied by Gremio, Lucentio and Hortensio, disguised as teachers of singing, dancing and music. Petruchio is none too favourably received by Katherina. Alone with Bianca the suitors doff their disguises and continue their wooing in the form of lessons. Bianca soon recognizes Lucentio as the most desirable. Katherina reacts violently against Petruchio’s protestations of passion, thinking that they are a false mockery, but something in his manner convinces her enough to agree to the marriage.

A Street
The neighbours, on their way to Katherina’s nuptials, treat the matter as a huge joke. The three suitors join them, now in high hopes that Bianca will soon be won.

Baptista’s House
The guests have arrived. Katherina is in her bridal array, but the bridegroom appears to have forgotten the day. When he does appear, in fantastic garb, Petruchio misbehaves, ill-treats the guests and Katherina’s father, and carries-off the bride before the wedding festivities have begun.