San Francisco's prize-winning American Conservatory Theater's rowdy commedia dell'arte production incorporates slapstick, pratfall and earthy humor into William Shakespeare's comedy about the two unmarried daughters of a wealthy Italian merchant. While daughter Bianca is genteel and popular, daughter Kate is foul-tempered and strong-willed. No one dares to marry Kate, until Petruchio arrives in Padua and tries his hand at courtship.

Félicien Trewey uses a basic prop to create comical hats and their accompanying caricatures.

Columbine resists Pierrette's courting in favour of Harlequin in this hand-coloured short by Alice Guy.