BATH

William Shakespeare’s epic battle of the sexes, “The Taming of the Shrew,” is coming to the Chocolate Church this May.

The play is directed by John Willey, one of the founders of Shakespeare on the Kennebec. Willey has directed a number of productions in the Bath area, including “The Fantasticks” at the Winter Street Church, “King Lear” at the Chocolate Church last year, and “A Midsummer Nights Dream” outside the Plant Home as part of Shakespeare on the Kennebec — which is co-producing “Taming of the Shrew.”

“I think the church here is a wonderful platform for it. We have the freedom to make some modifications and do things. Last year we did King Lear, which is a very dark tragedy–and the church is perfect for that kind of thing,” said Willey. “This year we’re challenging it and changing it because we’re bringing a light-hearted comedy into it.”

Set in Italy, “The Taming of the Shrew” tells the tale of Petruchio’s courtship of Kate, the titular shrew. Petruchio attempts to overcome the obstinate Kate through various means and make her into his vision of a perfect bride. Meanwhile, a number of suitors attempt to court Kate’s sister, Bianca, who better fits their expectations of a desirable wife.

Vince Shatto, a teacher of humanities at Bath Middle School, said that there’s a lot of comedy to be found in this play. Shatto plays Gremio in the production, who he describes as “cranky.”

“It’s been a lot of fun playing the part, because I’ve been able to expand and be my grumpiness — there’s a lot of comedy involved in it,” said Shatto.

“I have been practicing this character on my students, not really giving them any of the lines but just the persona, and they just sit there and laugh,” he added. “They don’t take me seriously at all. And I think that might be what the audience does as well.”

“Shakespeare’s got a lot of wonderful comedies,” said Willey. “‘Midsummer’ is one of the more popular, but right behind that is ‘Taming of the Shrew.’”

Yet despite its comedic elements, the 16th century play has developed something of a reputation as misogynist and old fashioned. A deeper reading of the script, says Willey, shows a much more egalitarian understanding of relationships.

“To me, this show is about the taming of the shrew, but if you look at the script deeply, Petruchio is as much of a shrew, with as much of a bad temper, as she is,” explained Willey. “The show’s about he-ing and she-ing. It’s about relationships. It’s about traditional versus nontraditional roles. It’s about cutting through those roles.”

Willey thinks that there’s a lot modern audiences can still learn from this play.

“I think it is appropriate in this day and age where everybody is seeking a level of independence and self-empowerment. How do you move into a relationship when your personal empowerment is so important, and what happens when that gets in the way of a relationship?” said Willey. “Are you willing to compromise? Are you willing to sacrifice?”

“We meet, and then the two of us go, wow!” explained Mike Blakemore, who plays Petruchio. “Because for the first time, each one of us is challenged by the other. We’ve never been in a situation where our characters have been met with — ”

“The same intensity,” finished Jeanette Wolfarth, who plays opposite of Blakemore as Kate.

“We find an understanding with each other because it’s not the fact that he’s taming me, we’re taming each other and figuring out how to live together as a team,” she added.

Despite the play being centuries old, Wolfarth says it has some timeless messages about the nature of relationships.

“I think that a lot of people can relate to it, just because it’s about very common themes with men and women. All the couples in the play have something to offer,” said Wolfarth.

Performances will be held on May 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7 p.m., and at 2 p.m. on May 7 and 13. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

nstrout@timesrecord.com