ABBY CLARKE | performance designer 

In this all-female production of the Taming of the Shrew, the setting of a rehearsal room was used to frame the performance of Shakespeare's most patriarchal play as a discussion of gender stereotypes and roles in contemporary society. The audience watched as the young actors transformed themselves into the male characters on stage and as rehearsal room props, costumes and furniture - mirrors, doors, costume rails and flightcases - were used to support the creation of this modern-day Italian city. As the play reached its troubling conclusion the conventions of the rehearsal room returned as the performers began to question Katherina's troubling final speech.

Director- Chris Honer

Set and Costume Designer- Abby Clarke

Lighting Designer- Will Evans

Sound Designer - Richard Walker

Photography by Jay W

For the Manchester School of Theatre