THEATER REVIEW : ‘Taming of La Shrew’ at LATC a Toothless Production

A tamed “The Taming of La Shrew” at Los Angeles Theatre Center hasn’t got a shrew.

In our era of political correctness, “The Taming of the Shrew” often ignites controversy. A sadistic husband abuses his bride, forcing her to submit to his will. Kate, the “shrew,” an independent rebel who refuses to obey her father or bow to suitors, is usually viewed by feminists as a victim of male tyranny. In fact, Shakespeare’s farce can be interpreted as a hymn to misogyny.

What makes or breaks every “Shrew” is the staging of Kate’s notorious speech of submission. “Thy husband is thy lord,” she recites in response to his command, “thy life, thy keeper, thy head, thy sovereign.” This can offend modern women, but it’s also an opportunity to creatively explore sexism. How a director handles this scene is the play’s challenge.

So how does Will & Company stage this politically incorrect scene at LATC?

They don’t.

Will & Company cut Kate’s speech.

That’s one way to avoid controversy: pretend it’s not there. This self-censorship eliminates PC criticism. It also demonstrates what’s missing throughout this toothless production.

Without an edge of danger, the clever transfer of the comedy from Renaissance Italy to 1840 Los Angeles means nothing. Set designer Cynthia Shiley’s hacienda scenery and Muriel McEwan’s attractive Western costumes can’t compensate for a lack of conflict.

Director Colin Cox tames the play in the same way Petruchio tames Kate. Cox portrays Petruchio as a vain narcissist incapable of love. His spousal abuse of Kate appears to emerge from a profound indifference.

Patrice Martinez fares better as Kate. There is a sympathetic feistiness to her shrew, but minimal depth. We never sense a woman fighting for her identity, just childish tantrums. Cox has directed her scenes in a bewildering fashion, rarely letting her be the focus.

* “The Taming of La Shrew,” Los Angeles Theatre Center Theatre 3, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. Thursdays-Sundays, 8 p.m., Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. (Alternating weekends in English and Spanish.) Ends Nov. 21. $12. (213) 485-1681, (310) 798-6290 (English); (213) 485-1631 (Spanish). Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.