The Taming of the Shrew - Free Shakespeare in the Park

Actors Ensemble's second production of our 2024 Summer Season in the beautiful John Hinkel Park is Shakespeare's classic comedy The Taming of the Shrew, adapted and directed by Jay Manley and Jane Goodwin.  Free-of-charge, reservations encouraged (especially for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility) but not necessary.  Presented weekends + holidays August 16th - September 1st at 4 p.m.

The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies, involving the "taming" of the very independent Kate by the complex and charming Petruchio. Lauded for it's humor, Taming is also challenging because the nature of Kate's and Petruchio's relationship is often interpreted in a simplistic and mysogynistic fashion - though this interpretation is by no means the only one - come see how our directors along with our heady group of actors meet the challenge!

With: 

Katherine – Audrey Shultz
Bianca – J. V.
Petruchio – Dominic Canty
Lucentio – Ryan Chu
Tranio – Najee Joyner
Grumio – Adonis Reyes
Biondello – Isabella Shipman
Gremio – Bruce Kaplan
Hortensio – Abe Karplus
Baptista - Evan Mooney
Merchant/Ensemble - Al Badger
Widow, Curtis/Ensemble - Helen Kim
Tailor/Ensemble – Patrice Binaisa
Haberdasher/Ensemble – Blue Scott
Vincentio/Ensemble – Stanley Spenger
Nathaniel/Ensemble - Veronica Dolginko

Costumes by Lyre Alston.
Set design by Kirsten Yamaguchi.
Props by Susan Dunn.
Photos/graphics by Vicki Victoria.
Stage Management by Kevin Torreblanca.
Production/Technical Direction by Jerome Solberg.

The amphitheatre seats well over 300 people and consists of a series of stone steps. Low lawnchairs are acceptable, or bring pillows and/or blankets.  The amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible with 5 spots for wheelchairs or those who cannot climb steps and/or need a special chair, and 8 benches for wheelchair companions or folks who cannot climb ysteps but can sit on benches , all at ground level - please make a reservation so we can reserve these spots.  In addition, for those with limited mobility or hearing issues we will reserve places in the first few rows, which requires climbing a few steps (there are railings).  No chairs are provided, please bring your own and/or pillows/blankets.  For all others, we encourage you to make a reservation (and make a donation!) so we have some idea of who is coming (helps to plan concessions), but seats are on a first-come/first-served basis.   There a single handicap parking spot close to the amphitheatre and some additional spots along Somerset which are reasonably accessible for wheelchairs - we encourage folks to be dropped off.

John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre is at 41 Somerset Pl., Berkeley, CA 94707.  Access is via Arlington Avenue, turn right on Southampton, then continue straight onto Somerset.  Note that Google Maps will direct you to locations at the top of the park along San Diego Road - quite a hike down.  There is very limited parking at the amphitheatre, due to the addition of a playground which swallowed up most of the existing parking.  There is some parking along Arlington, Somerset, Southhampton, and San Diego Road - we encourage folks to ride bicycles or use ride services.  The closest BART station is the North Berkeley BART.  The #7 AC Transit bus stops right at the corner of Arlington and Southampton.

The production lasts about two hours, including a short intermission