TAMED or It's Hard To Get A Real Horse
A show about conforming to, and rebelling against, the status quo. Tamed explores our need to be a part of something and our fear of being alone and investigates to what extent our behaviour, thought and agency has been tamed.
A group of female actors gathered to rehearse for a new adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew – as they take turns embodying versions of the tamed and untamed woman, they are confronted by how they are tamed by the theatrical structure they are in’; its rules, rituals, expectations, and limitations (it’s hard to get a real horse) - boundaries blur; actors play and are played by the roles, rebellion ignites and is contained, and reality and fiction collide.
TOURING 2026/7.
The project is seeking venues, funding and support for an international tour 2026/7. We are interested in discussing alternative touring models to promote community embedded models. Get in touch to discuss.
TEAM
Director - Sarah Calver
Producer - Eleni Kyriacou
Designer (Set & Costume) - Mayou Trikerioti
Video & Media Designer / Dramaturg - Rory Willats
Sound Designer / Composer - Garth McConaghie
Lighting Designer - Pablo Fernandez Baz
Production Manager - Lucinda Bray
Movement Director - Anthea Lewis
Assistant Costume Designer - Jacqueline Rose Barker
Production Support - Tim Lacey
Creative Engagement Associate - Julia Devonshire
Programme Design - Mayou Trikerioti
Graphic Design - Jan Hillman
Show Photography - Andi Sapey
Show filmed and edited - Chewboy
Performers: Anna Martine Freeman, Isabella Leung, Denise Stephenson, Aleksandra Stojak, Samantha Manzur
Community Chorus: Clare, Beta, Victoria, Mandy, Kayla, Vee Kay
Wedding dress made by Clare Southern
Fascinators made by women at Feathers Futures
Horse Mural painted by local people, faciliated by Reprezent
TAMED or It's Hard To Get A Real Horse was presented at St. George's Theatre, Great Yarmouth in 2024. It was in partnership with & supported by Norwich Theatre (Beyond Stages).
With thanks to Original Projects, Out There Arts, Reprezent, Cathy and The Bread Kitchen, St. Georges, and the people fo Great Yarmouth.
PREVIOUS
Project previously developed in association with Norwich Theatre in 2022.
Creative Team: Director - Sarah Calver, Video & Media - Rory Willats, Composer and Sound Design - Garth McConaghie, Set & Costume Designer - Mayou Trikerioti, Assistant Designer - Denisha Parmenter, Lighting Designer & Production Manager - Lucinda Bray, Stage Manager - Jamie Woodhouse, Social Media Manager - Denisha Parmenter, Community Engagement - Tassa de Paris. Performers: Danielle Meehan, Keziah Joseph, Joey Holden & Megan Treadway.
Produced by Alice Venessa Bever.
Additional material created with Kate Sagovsky, Dallas Fields, Jennifer Jackson, Angela Clerkin, Carolina Valdés, Jessica Murrain.
Funded by Arts Council England, People's Postcode Lottery, Geoffrey Watling Charity & Norfolk County with additional support from Norwich Theatre.