Der Widerspenstigen Zähmung by Stolze, 从 (2022/2022), 导体 Wolfgang Heinz, Opernhaus, Stuttgart, Germany

John Cranko’s The Taming of the Shrew is one of the great ballet comedies of the 20th century. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s world-famous play, Cranko brings to vivid life the story of the shrewish Katharina whom no one wants to marry and the dashing and clever Petrucchio who makes her his wife and “tames” her. Cranko, a master at creating characters whose inner motivations are believable and instantly understandable to the audience, has provided many subsequent generations of dancers with two spectacular roles in which both acting and dancing ability can be sublimely combined. Katharina’s character undergoes a profound change during the course of the ballet as she lets her defenses down and realizes that Petrucchio loves her for herself. The utterly lovable Petrucchio is given two bravura solos which leave the audience breathless and cheering. Using three ingenious pas de deux which are in turns hilarious, touching and utterly human, Cranko ensures that the audience has fallen in love with his two main characters by the time the final curtain falls. Set to cheerful and boisterous music by Domenico Scarlatti and with colourful costumes and a charming set by Elisabeth Dalton, The Taming of the Shrew evokes the sunlit streets and gardens of Italy and is a perfect ballet for the whole family.