Romanian creatives Present "The Taming of the Shrew" at York International Shakespeare Festival
Sat 25 Apr
|Friargate Theatre
A contemporary and satirical exploration of Shakespeare's masterpiece
Time & Location
25 Apr 2026, 16:30 – 18:00
Friargate Theatre, Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate, York YO1 9SL, UK
About the event
Presented by the Romanian Cultural Institute in London in partnership with Ariadne Theatre & Lab, The Taming of the Shrew is a vibrant contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s famously controversial comedy. Conceived & Directed by Ema Nicola, after William Shakespeare, the production unites a London-based ensemble of Romanian artists working across cultures and theatrical traditions.
Book tickets HERE
Following its premiere at RCI London, this dynamic staging arrives at the York International Shakespeare Festival, inviting audiences to rediscover the play through a distinctly contemporary lens. Performed in English, the production explores gender, autonomy and power in relationships, asking timely questions about desire, identity and connection in an age shaped by digital performance and curated selves. Who is controlling the story?
The cast includes Halima Habil (Kate), Maria Alexe (Bianca), Alin Balascan (Petruchio), Eddie Pop (Sly/Lucentio/Gremio/Bianca/Tailor/Servant). Playful, thought-provoking and visually engaging, this interpretation challenges audiences to reconsider what it truly means to be…