NTID Theatre History: Taming of the Shrew: October 1974

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Last Updated: Apr 3, 2025 5:28 PM

Taming of the Shrew: October 1974

Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare was performed Oct 3-5, 1974 in the new Panara theatre for the National Advisory Group and LBJ building opening. 

Picture of NTID focus magazine 'Shrew' Expertly Tamed in New EET with B & W photos

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The play begins with a framing device, often called the induction, in which a mischievous nobleman tricks a drunken tinker named Christopher Sly into believing he is a nobleman. The nobleman then performs the play for Sly's diversion.

The main plot depicts the courtship of Petruchio and Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship; however, Petruchio "tames" her with various psychological and physical torments, such as keeping her from eating and drinking until she becomes a desirable, compliant, and obedient bride. The subplot features a competition between the suitors of Katherina's younger sister, Bianca, who is seen as the "ideal" woman. 

Video

Color Photos #1

Left to Right:

Robert Pratt, Paul Johnson, Robert Panara Left to Right: Robert Pratt, Paul Johnson, Robert Panara discussing play

Left to Right:

Paul Johnston,??, Robert Panara

Left to Right: Paul Johnston,??, Robert Panara

Left to Right:

Robert Pratt, Paul Johnston and Panara discussing playColor Photo of Robert Pratt, Paul Johnston and Panara discussing play

Taming of the Shrew SceneColor Photo of Taming of the Shrew Scene

Paul Johnston as Petruchio

Paul Johnston as Petruchio

Left to Right:

Ronald Berger as Baptisa, Ricky Smith as Grumio, Dan Ford as Hortensio, Paul Johnston as PetruchioLeft to Right: Ronald Berger as Baptisa, Ricky Smith as Grumio, Dan Ford as Hortensio, Paul Johnston as Petruchio

Left to Right:

Paul Johnston as Petruchio and Ricky Smith as Grumio

Left to Right: Paul Johnston as Petruchio and Ricky Smith as Grumio

Mike Lowe as Gremio

Mike Lowe as Gremio

Black and White Photos

Standing (Right to Left):

Ronald Berger, Paul Johnston

Sitting (Left to Right):

Thomas Riggs, Barbara Ray, Robert Panara, Janice Cole, Linda Siple, David Hagan

Robert Panara and students during drama club rehearsing for 'Taming of the Shrew.' Standing: Ronald Berger, Paul Johnston; Sitting: Thomas Riggs, Barbara Ray, Robert Panara, Janice Cole, Linda Siple, David Hagan preparing for the performance of 'Taming of the Shrew' for the 1974 dedication

Right to Left:

Anne Cooley helping Tom Riggs, an unknown actor in background

Right to Left:  Anne Cooley helping Tom Riggs, an unknown actor in background

Left to Right:

Janice Cole, Ronald Berger, Mike Lowe, (in the back), Gary Etkie, Tom RiggsLeft to Right:  Janice Cole, Ronald Berger, Mike Lowe, (in the back), Gary Etkie, Tom Riggs

Costume workB & W photo of costume work

A student working on a costume B & W photo of a student working on a costume for Taming of the Shrew

Student working on a costume B & W photo of student working on a costume for Taming of the Shrew

Color Photos #2

Janice Cole as Bianca

Color Photo of Janice Cole as Bianca

Left to Right:

Ronald Berger as Baptisa and Mike Lowe as Gremio

Left to Right: Ronald Berger as Baptisa and Mike Lowe as Gremio

Paul Johnston as Petruchio

Color Photo of Paul Johnston as Petruchio

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