Casey Kringlen, Artistic Director of Queer Classics and Director of SHREW, answered some quick questions for @SeeItOrSkipItLA!
1. Is there anything new that you’ve learned about the text while rehearsing with this adaptation?
A: While working on a scene with friends it struck me that Kate’s anger could easily be streaming from not feeling like she had a place in the world, feeling alien in her own body. Thus came the question: “What if Kate was trans and didn’t have the words or thoughts to explore it?” Immediately so many of Kate’s lines and actions were framed in such a way that they made perfect sense. She wasn’t a “shrew”… she was a “he” and didn’t know how to deal with it. As we developed the concept it became clear that Petruchio would be trans as well and push Kate to accept himself as he is from inside out.
2. Moment of truth, who does a better Shrew, Elizabeth Taylor or Julia Stiles?
A: Elizabeth Taylor
Note from Kat – I would like to say that I only ask open-ended questions that have neither a right nor a wrong answer. However, in my attempt to ask a clever/cute question, I have to admit, I most definitely asked one that has a right answer . . . and you answered correctly.
3. What about your show makes it perfect for the Fringe?
A: It’s fast-paced, hilarious, timely, and polished. You get a lot of bang for your buck, you won’t be bored, and it’s geared toward progressing civil rights without being a sob story.
4. What do you hope the audience walks away with after your show?
A: I want audiences to leave thinking, “Wow, Kate and Petruchio are such an awesome pair, they’re so smart, sexy, and unique … it’s such a shame society doesn’t get to experience these awesome individuals, they’re really missing out.”
5. What show, other than yours, are you most excited to see at the Fringe?
A: “R&J, A Gender-Reversed Romeo & Juliet” by Mine is Yours Theatre Company. They’re performing in the same space as we are and the concept sounds really cool.
Intrigued? You can see Taming of the Shrew – An Exploration of Gender Expression, on these days:
The Actors Company (Other Space Theatre) 916 N.Formosa Ave, LA 90036
Saturday, June 6 at 7pm
Thursday, June 11 at 10:30pm
Thursday, June 18 at 5pm
Friday, June 19 at 5pm
Saturday, June 20 at 2pm
Sunday, June 21at 3:30pm
For ticketing click here.
Shrew is also presented as part of the City of West Hollywood’s One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival
*As a special thank-you to all Fringers following my coverage, please enjoy 15% off purchases at In Heels Productions throughout the month of June. Use code HFF15 at checkout!