by Ellen Carroll on June 8, 2009

Prohibition Room Restaurant Lounge, Reduxion Theatre, Reduxion Theatre Company, Roaring Twenties Costume Party, Some Like it Hot, The Taming of the Shrew, Tyler Woods, William Shakespeare

Reduxion Theatre Company (RTC) is pleased to announce the final production of their inaugural residential season will be the comedy The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. The show will be directed by RTC Artistic Director, Tyler Woods, and performs June 11th through June 27th in Oklahoma City.

The Taming of Shrew, an uproarious comedy about courtship and the battle of sexes, centers on Petruchio, a country gentleman, and Katherina (or Kate) the headstrong, obstinate, and eponymous “shrew.” Keeping with the aim of the theatre company, Woods’ inspiration comes exclusively from Shakespeare’s text, but takes a fresh perspective that has become the characteristic trademark of RTC productions.

The script, according to Woods, speaks to a time in America’s recent history: the fight for the 19th Amendment, granting woman the right to vote, at the beginning of the 20th century. For a contemporary audience, a play addressing the “taming” of a woman’s spirit can be a tricky subject. “We must remember that not too long ago, we, as a nation, took sides on whether or not women should be allowed to have a say in our democracy” Woods’ view is that the play tackles equality rather than the idea of superiority. “Unfortunately, even today, a woman with a strong voice can be perceived as ‘unruly’ by certain sectors of society.”

Setting this show at the gateway of the ‘roaring twenties’ offers a unique perspective on the play’s comedy. “The script is full of silliness and fun,” says Woods. The comedy of disguises and mistaken identities reminded him of classic films, such as Some Like It Hot, a comedy also set in the 1920s. “The fashion, the music, and urban life in the US during this time period really serve to highlight the Bard’s language and ideas.”

Performances kick off with a special opening night event. A Roaring Twenties Costume Party will take place the evening of Thursday June 11th at City Arts Center in Oklahoma City. The event will include live music and food provided by Prohibition Room Restaurant Lounge. The party is open to the public and included with price of admission to the performance.

Performances of The Taming of the Shrew begin June 11th and perform every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm through June 27th at the newly renovated City Arts Center Theater Space located at 3000 General Pershing Blvd on the Oklahoma Fair Grounds in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For ticket information, call 405-651-3191 or order on-line at www.reduxiontheatre.com.

Reduxion Theatre Company is an Oklahoma Nonprofit, 501c(3) corporation with a mission to professionally produce both classical and contemporary theatre, enriching Oklahoma’s cultural, educational and economic climate, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. RTC has produced several events and productions of classical plays to critical acclaim in both New York City and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.reduxiontheatre.com or call (405) 651-3191.

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