From July 10 to August 4, the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival will feature two full-length productions of Hamlet and The Taming of the Shrew. Hosted outdoors on the beautiful campus of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, this event promises to be a highlight of the summer.
Since 1991, the festival has enriched the Greater Hartford region with classical theatrical entertainment, and this year is no exception.
One epic tragedy plus one raucous comedy equals twice the Shakespeare under the stars this summer! Add pre-show entertainment, food, and more, and you’ve got the perfect summer night for your family and friends.
A Night of Insightful Entertainment
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Dr. Melissa-Sue John, Assistant Professor at the University of Saint Joseph, opened the conversation for Capital Classics' production of The Taming of the Shrew. Introduced by Herb Emmanuel, Dr. John brought a unique perspective to the evening's performance.
"Hello! I’m Melissa-Sue John and I’m on the faculty of USJ, where we happily host the Shakespeare Festival and Capital Classics. Tonight, we’ll watch The Taming of the Shrew. As a professor of Psychology, one class I teach focuses on gender. So, The Taming of the Shrew has me asking myself, 'What does it mean to be a woman?'"
Dr. John engaged the audience by reflecting on popular idioms about women:
- Sugar and spice and everything nice: A phrase often used to describe girls as sweet and gentle.
- Behind every great man, there is a great woman: This suggests that a man's success is often supported by a strong and capable woman.
- Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned: This suggests that a woman who has been wronged can be exceptionally angry and vengeful.
She invited the audience to think of other idioms, fostering an interactive and thought-provoking atmosphere. She was very excited that the audience was so engaged.
"Tonight, through a Shakespearean comedy, we will be transported to Italy in Elizabethan society, the golden age in English history, marked by the flourishing of English drama, led by playwrights such as William Shakespeare. In my opinion, this play underscores the enduring complexity of gender relations. We will meet Baptista Minola and her two daughters, Kate and Bianca. One daughter is mild-mannered and attracts many suitors, and the other is known for her sharp tongue and fiery temper. The play delves into gender roles and expectations and the conflict of submitting to one’s husband. Does a woman need to be tamed? Can a woman be tamed? Are 'tamed' women a power move disguised as a strategic compromise?"
Dr. John concluded by inviting the audience to reflect on their own interpretations of the play. "I shared what resonates for ME, and I invite you to pay close attention to what comes up for YOU. And that can be totally different. It might be about the role of marriage, the rituals of courtship, father/daughter or mother/daughter relationships, or emotional control. Anything that comes up for you is great and valid."
With those words, she handed the evening back to Herb Emmanuel and closed with a heartfelt, "Enjoy!"
Herb invited the audience to grab concessions before the show started and to stay for the after show with the director and the cast.
The show was wonderful! it was well performed by a diverse cast with tons of energy and talent! Olivia Lauren and I enjoyed!
Shakespeare Under the Stars
This summer, don't miss the chance to experience two of Shakespeare's classics in a captivating outdoor setting. Whether you're drawn to the introspective depth of Hamlet or the lively dynamics of The Taming of the Shrew, the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival promises an unforgettable evening for all. Bring your family, friends, and an open mind as we celebrate the timeless works of William Shakespeare under the stars.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Capital Classics for the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. Enjoy the magic of Shakespeare this summer!
