This particular work of Shakespeare ostensibly portrays the subjugation of a strong-willed woman by her newly-wed husband in a positive light - hardly a tale which would find a ready audience in 2001.
However, by having the male roles played by women and the females played by men, Limerick's Island Theatre Company wonderfully subverts what otherwise might well have been a testosterone-filled night of male arrogance.
Island cleverly pinpoint and enhance Shakespeare's questioning of gender roles and societal expectations, continuously playing on and exploring this idea to comic but intelligent effect, fully revealed by Terry Devlin's perceptive and imaginative direction.
Although all the cast were of high standing, Myles Breen as Katherine, Liam O'Brien as Bianca, Mairead Devlin as their father, Bap tista, and Tara Quirke as Katherine's husband, Petru chio, warrant special praise. Also worthy of note were the colourful costume designs of Jacquie Fitzpatrick, which greatly added to the pace and dynamics of the piece.
Overall, this charming production is witty, intelligent and highly engaging, rendering an oftentimes difficult Shakespeare accessible and most enjoyable.