Theater Spotlight of the Week: Richard Hamburger

by Shawn Parikh

It was pretty much a no-brainer that I would have to feature Richard Hamburger this week. His reputation in Dallas has been tremendous because of his work as the Artistic Director of Dallas Theater Center. But the show he is currently directing, The Taming of the Shrew, will be his last as Artistic Director.

He took a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to talk, so I naturally asked him about his time in the Dallas theater community, his work as the Artistic Director, and what he see has changed with the Theater Center. He also mentions what is next for him after he ends his reign here.

As far as The Taming of the Shrew is concerned, he spoke about why he chose this Shakespearean comedy as his final show and how it relates to our time, especially since he added a modern, "slightly absurdist" twist. Finally, I had to ask him his take on the final monologue that the shrew, Kate, delivers about totally being in submission to her lover, and what he thinks Shakespeare meant by writing this for a strong female character.

Previews have already begun for the show, and it officially opens on April 24. They are even offering buy-one-get-one-free tickets for a limited time since it is Mr. Hamburger's farewell show. For more information, call the box office at 214-522-8499, purchase tickets online, or click here: The Taming of the Shrew.

The Theater Spotlight will feature a theater artist every week that has an ongoing or approaching show at that time. To suggest someone for an interview, contact Shawn.