The Taming of the Shrew

Last week, I watched ShakespeaRe-Told: The Taming of the Shrew. It is a T.V drama that was originally broadcast in 2005 on BBC One. It was a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedy and though the adaptation was set in modern day Britain, there were subtle references to Elizabethan style throughout, maintaining a connection to the era in which the play was first written.

First of all, there’s Katherine Minola’s wedding dress. It has long sleeves and a big collar, somewhat reflecting the gowns worn by royalty and upper class women in the Elizabethan period. Those with wealth and power could afford such dresses which perfectly reflects the character of Katherine as she is both rich and dominant.

Marriage Plots | ENGH 202 Texts and Contexts. 2013. Marriage Plots | ENGH 202 Texts and Contexts. [ONLINE] Available at:http://courseblogs.gmu.edu/marriageplots/. [Accessed 21 October 2013].

Also, in the wedding scene, Petruchio is seen sporting women’s attire. He arrives dressed in fishnet tights, a mini skirt and kinky boots. Though the outfit is surprising and outrageous, tribute is paid to the materials used in the Elizabethan era. Over it all he wears robes made of velvet. The rich colours imply money and status and there is intricate detailing and Elizabethan style ruffs.

There is a scene in the film where the mother, Mrs Minola, wears a pearl necklace. Pearls were very popular in the Elizabethan era and were a symbol of high status and purity. In keeping with the Elizabethan era, the majority of the actors were made up to have pale faces and little eye make-up.