Student Essay on A Modern Update of "The Taming of the Shrew"

A Modern Update of "The Taming of the Shrew"

Summary:   Discusses "The Taming of the Shrew" and an updated, modernized version by the author called "The Sparky Brothers".

I am here today to tell you about my latest production "The Sparky Brothers." This action packed, fun filled, entertaining play is a modern interpretation of "The Taming of the Shrew" by that well-renowned man, William Shakespeare. "The Taming of the Shrew" is a story of comical love set in Padua. It discusses the 16th century attitude to love, courtship and marriage. The play represents the then-conventional view that a woman should sacrifice her individuality in submission to her husband. In addition illustrating how males dominated society and how they had power over women.

"The Taming of the Shrew" is a play that comes from an age that is different to our own. The values of the characters in the play strike us because they are at conflict with what we perceive to be right. The way Petruccio behaves with Katerina is typical of the 16th century. Petruccio tries to humanise Katerina as she does not conform to the rules of society, as he knows it. It is necessary to change this ideology, as these values are no longer a part of the 21st century. Women are no longer treated as objects and in such a manner. They are no longer forced into marriage, as men no longer have all the power. For that reason I have made several changes to my modern version hence creating a play, which is appealing to a modern contemporary audience. As a result creating a play, which people can relate to. I can assure you that everyone will be able to understand my play, comprehend its intricacies, and empathize with the characters' problems and motivations in ways that they never have before.

My new production "The Sparky Brothers" is a play packed with many twists, drama, romance, love, humour and deceit. The two brother, Ben and Kirin are the two main characters. These two brothers have similar qualities to Bianca and Katherine in "The Taming of the Shrew." They both live with their mother, Beth. Kirin similarly to Katherine does not have the ideal appearance and personality for a relationship. He is the geek who is described as repulsive and immature by most women. He has a deep sense of insecurity and is often jealous towards his brother, Ben. He does not have a good reputation for dating and is defiantly not someone who would easily find a woman to share his life with and marry. However in comparison, Ben is the complete opposite. Ben is the hot, sexy hunk and is the guy that every female wants to get her hands on. He is the heart's desire of all hormonally charged young women. Now it just so happens to be that their mother, Beth, who has similar qualities to Baptista in "The Taming of The Shrew", must force Ben and Kirin to get married before they graduate for citizenship or else they will have to move back to California and live in poverty, harsh conditions and have an unhappy lifestyle. Since Kirin is date and relationship challenged and in women's opinions, not very good marriage material, Ben is frustrated as is Beth their mother. This particularly distresses their mother Beth, as she does not want to part with her sons or leave the country. Therefore in an attempt to solve the problem she comes up with a scheme to get someone to marry Kirin. Prue is the girl involved in this plan. She agrees to marry Kirin for a home free of charge, a car, and cash in return. Prue is quite quick-witted. She disregards everyone who warns her that marrying Kirin is disloyal and not the correct thing to do however, she is more interested in the home, car and money she will receive from Beth. As you can imagine, a tangled web is created. Will Prue blow her cover and expose her real intentions for marrying Kirin? Or will they madly fall in love? Without a doubt, I believe this play will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat as it is filled with many twists. You will never guess the final outcome and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

One of the first things I have changed in my production is the setting as in comparison to "The Taming of the Shrew" it is no longer relevant to modern society. Instead of having the play set in Padua like the original play my version is set in an Australia University, in the inner-city regions of Queensland. This contemporary setting relates more to present-day Australians than the setting of Padua and therefore gives it a more modern feel hence relating to the 21st century. This however is not the only change I have made which gives it a more modern feel.

The dialogue, language, as well as the content, of my play have also been changed. My new production "The Sparky Brothers" is not written in old Shakespearean language instead I have chosen to write it in Modern English. I believe this is a better option, as we no longer use some words in the sense that Shakespeare used them and others have completely disappeared from our vocabulary. Modern English would therefore, simplify the text and make it accessible to a wider range of audience, as it would be easier to comprehend. In addition it would avoid some of the story no longer making sense therefore will make it easier for younger generations to understand. Some aspects of my play however have remained the same.

Many of the character's relationships with each other remain the same in my play, as changing it too much would destroy the greatness of Shakespeare's work. Therefore, only minor changes have been put in place to suit modern society better thus as a result there are clear parallels in the storyline, characters, and theme between my version and the original play, "The Taming of The Shrew." In "The Taming of the Shrew" Katarina is hateful and sharp tongued. Hortensio and Gremio reject her as they say she is "too rough." They want someone who is "of a genteel manner, or a milder mould." They describe her as a "wench who is stark mad" and they indicate that her behaviour diverts from the norm of the" ideal wife." They therefore greatly prefer Bianca to Katarina as a wife. Similarly in my play the characters Ben and Kirin both possess the same characteristics as Ben represents the ideal marriage partner.

My play in contrast to "The Taming of The Shrew" by William Shakespeare demonstrates how far women have come since the 16th century. It illustrates women's power in society. I have achieved this by creating a plot in which women are in control. In my play Prue, a female, executes power over Kirin, a male. Without Prue, Kirin would not be married. In addition Beth, the mother, is the dominant figure in the household. She is the one who has all the power as Kirin's life is in her hands. Without her plan to set up someone to marry Kirin he would be left living in poverty and an unpleasant, unhappy lifestyle. Furthermore I have also portrayed the message that in relationships equality is desirable.

Overall, I am sure you will agree that my changes to "The Taming of The Shrew" will defiantly give it a modern feel. Updating the setting, dialogue, customs, character portrayal and changing the ideology has achieved this. In addition by keeping some aspects of original version such as the characters relationships with each other there are clear parallels between my version and the original play. This has also been done by retaining many of the themes from the original play that are still relevant today and replacing any that are not with fresh modern ones that are better suited to our modern world. With these present day issues, fresh setting and modern text, together with a cool cast of young stars I believe my play will be more inviting and appealing to audiences and finally Shakespeare's play, "The Taming of The Shrew" will no longer be for the minority but will be shared and enjoyed by everyone. I urge you to get your tickets fast. Don't miss out of this great production. For only $20 it will be a well worth experience, as you will not experience another play like my one and only "The Sparky Brothers."