Munich, January 2011 - John Cranko’s wonderful choreography, based on William Shakespeare’s eponymous comedy, is back. A scant eight years after the last performance of The Taming of the Shrew the ensemble of the Bavarian State Ballet is in the throes of preparations for the revival on February 26, 2011.

The center of attention is initially focused on Bianca, Katharina’s younger sister and the darling of Hortensio, Lucentio and Gremio. On orders from the young ladies’ father, all the courtship attempts of this trio of suitors will remain fruitless until her older sister has been led to the altar.
Finally an exuberant tippler by the name of Petruchio reveals himself to be a potential bridegroom. The prospect of a generous dowry has tempted him to apply for Katharina’s hand, and after a dramatic duel, she finally gives up her resistance, much to the good fortune of Lucentio, whose way to Bianca’s heart is now cleared.
Fresh from the wedding, the newlyweds make their way to Petruchio’s home town, but Katharina’s shrewish nature still stands in the way of a happy and harmonious union, but Petruchio has the wit and cunning to rein her in...

Given its première at the Nationaltheater in 1976, The Taming of the Shrew joins forces with Onegin and Romeo and Juliet to form a magnificent triumvirate of full-evening ballets by John Cranko, which for decades have ranked as keyworks in the repertoire of the Bavarian State Ballet. Cranko tells the core passages of the story in three grand pas de deux: featuring the feisty Katharina in the first one, the convincing, conquering Petruchio in the second and finally the loving couple in the third pas de deux. World literature in choreography.

Roberta Fernandes and Marlon Dino will dance the roles of Katharina and Petruchio on Saturday, February 26 and Monday, February 28, 2011. Natalia Osipova, principal dancer at the Bolshoi Ballet and Lukáš Slavický will be the leading couple on Saturday, March 12 and Thursday, March 17, 2011. The orchestra will be conducted by Myron Romanul.

John Cranko
The Taming of the Shrew
Saturday, February 26, 2011, 7.30 p.m. (revival)
Monday, February 28, 2011, 7.30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 7.30 p.m.
Saturday, March 12*, 2011, 7.30 p.m.
Thursday, March 17, 2011, 7.30 p.m.
Monday, March 21, 2011, 7.30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 7.30 p.m.
Sunday, July 3, 2011, 7.30 p.m.
 * Performance for families and young audience
National Theatre

For press tickets and further information - please contact the press office of the Bavarian State Ballett