The Taming of the Shrew

The ACDC’s production of The Taming of the Shrew for the 2011 edition of the Shakespeare Drama Competition was a rip-roaring comedy set in colonial Ceylon. The novel setting of the play in a local albeit historical context lent its many themes particular resonance, and the act of Katherine’s possibly forced marriage to the flamboyant Petruchio was given greater poignancy. The performance in the semi-finals was without doubt Ananda’s best effort in this competition to date.

The audience erupted in gales of laughter throughout the play and the ovation at the end was sustained, unstinting and wholehearted. The judges were lavish in their praise, and for the first time in the competition’s history, Ananda College was chosen to grace its final. Unfortunately, the pressure of being in the final proved a little too daunting, and the play ultimately emerged 2nd Runners Up. But one thing was clear: Ananda Drama had truly arrived.