PORT ANGELES — The feminine characters in Shakespeare’s plays: They were forever getting into mischief. The men tried lording it over them, but these women were just unruly.
That, turns out, is the definition of the title role in “The Taming of the Shrew.” A shrew is a “disorderly woman,” said Janet Lucas, who calls herself one of those.
Lucas and Anna Andersen, another outspoken female, are about to hold forth about the bard’s femmes, both in Elizabethan times and now.
Their “Women and Shakespeare” talk, paired with desserts and wine, is set for 6 this Friday evening at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, 1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
It’s a prelude to this summer’s Shakespeare in the Woods production of “The Taming of the Shrew,” which has two female directors: Andersen and Sammy Weinert.
Andersen, who has studied and performed in Shakespeare plays since she was a girl — “Taming” was the first to captivate her — will discuss women during Shakespeare’s life and times.
Lucas, a literature professor who is now dean of arts and sciences at Peninsula College, will discuss the #MeToo movement and how “Taming of the Shrew” has been staged in modern times.
“Anna and I will both address the themes in ‘Taming’ that resonate with today’s audiences, especially women,” said Lucas.
In addition to taking questions from the audience, Andersen will go into her vision for this summer’s version of “Taming,” soon to unfold in the Webster’s Woods park at the fine arts center.
“Shakespeare was a man who could see beyond his time. His work is still being used to highlight the plight and struggle of day-to-day living,” Andersen added, “because he exposed the human condition.”
“Taming” is an example supreme: Shakespeare provides a view of women’s subservient “place” in his society while showing how strong they are regardless.
Tickets to “Women and Shakespeare” dessert and wine evening are $20 in advance at PAFAC.org or $25 at the door, with proceeds to benefit the nonprofit arts center.
Opening night for “The Taming of the Shrew” in Webster’s Woods is Friday, July 19; the 6 p.m. show will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 4.
The cast includes Jennifer Horton as Kate; Randy Powell as her husband Petruchio; Josh Sutcliffe as Hortensio and Pat Owens as Gremio.
For more information, see PAFAC.org or call 360-457-3532.
