The Taming of the Shrew - Director's Notes

Reprinted from the original production program - May 2003

I have a wonderful son. He is 12 and in middle school. When he was born, a group of men gathered and privately, secretly, lovingly welcomed him into the world. He was given a smudge on the forehead and a special name - a name that remains unknown to me. This ritual was inspired by his father’s Blackfoot ancestry and the Iron John movement initiated by Robert Bly. Being a woman, I was excluded from the event, yet I welcomed his participation in this ritual.

 

As my son approaches 13, I find myself longing for another ceremony. I see the physical metamorphosis in my first born, my baby boy. In the past year he has grown taller than I, his voice has changed, and I’m no longer the only woman in his life. I want a group of men to lovingly help him cross the threshold into manhood. Our culture doesn’t offer such a ritual and I wonder what we’ve lost because of the lack.

It is this primal yearning for my son that has been at the heart of this all-male production of The Taming of the Shrew.

Where are the wise men in our village to initiate our young men? Who will pass down the skills that will help him to a successful and peaceful existence? What are the ritual trials our young men must undertake in order to emerge as a new spiritual being? Will he offer war or will he kneel for peace?

My boy has a perilous journey ahead, as he navigates his way to manhood. And because he must separate from his parents in order to do this, in our culture, he must find his way alone.

God Speed, Conor Mac. God Speed, to all of our sons.

Stephanie Shine,
Artistic Director

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Stephanie and Conor Shine.
Conor is now 14 and will be a freshman at O’Dea High School next fall.
Photo by Cahilan Shine.