An investigation of the many ways that Shakespeare uses the defiant voice of the shrew. Kamaralli explores how modern performance practice negotiates the possibilities for staging these characters who refuse to conform to standards of acceptable behaviour for women, but are among Shakespeare's bravest, wisest and most vivid creations.

Introduction 'Shrewd tempters with their tongues': Historic Shrews Constance, Kate Percy, Jeanne la Pucelle, Margaret d'Anjou 'My tongue will tell the anger of my heart': Comic Shrews Adriana, Katherine, Beatrice 'Well she can persuade': Shrews Post-Comedy The Tragedies: Goneril, Emilia The not-quite Tragedies: Isabella, Marina, Paulina Conclusion 'Let her speak too' Index

ANNA KAMARALLI is a Teaching Fellow on the Theatre programme in the School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Her articles have appeared in Shakespeare Survey and Shakespeare Bulletin.