The Taming of the Shew by William Shakespeare (1592)

Is The Taming of the Shrew a sexist relic, a sharp satire, or something far more unsettling? In this episode, we examine The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare's provocative comedy that refuses to sit comfortably in any era. Beneath the farce of disguises, wagers, and verbal sparring lies a play obsessed with power—who has it, how it's performed, and whether obedience is genuine or staged. We'll explore the framing device, Kate's infamous final speech, and the ways productions have tried to tame the play itself. This episode asks not how to excuse the play, but how to read it honestly—and why its discomfort may be the point.