- The Taming of the Shrew is one of the most famous and controversial of Shakespeare"s comedies, and feminists have been divided in their responses. The central relationship, in which Petruchio boisterously "tames" a rebellious Kate, has often appeared problematic. In the theatre, it has been treated in a diversity of ways, so that Kate"s apparent capitulation varies between the ironic and the sincere. But the play remains one of Shakespeare"s most popular dramas, and has been memorably staged and filmed as the musical Kiss Me Kate, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.