Arkansas times raucous reading to coincide with inauguration

The University of Arkansas (U of A) announced the reading of The Taming by ArkansasStaged on Inauguration Day. The event is free; a percentage of the suggested $5 donation will benefit Planned Parenthood.
The playwright Lauren Gunderson has donated the use of the play with the stipulation that it be performed on Inauguration Day. The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the 21c Museum Hotel in Bentonville.
"In 2013 I wrote The Taming to unpack the deep frustration of a divided and obstructionist patriarchy, … to laugh with the painful truth about extremism on both sides, to toy with our country's history and wrestle with its foundational imperfections, and to make manifest a dream of reason and understanding prevailing in America," Gunderson said. "That feels more necessary now than three years ago."
Inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, The Taming is an all-female power play focused on super-patriotic Miss Georgia. She convinces an ultra-conservative senator's aide and an ultra liberal blogger to rewrite the Constitution.
U of A instructor of theatre Jenny McKight will direct the reading while the artistic and managing direction will be directed by alumna Laura Shatkus. An ensemble of women singers and instrumentalists will perform American music.
"Transfers of political power are always fraught with a measure of uncertainty, never more than this year," McKnight said. "Playwright Lauren Gunderson finds the humor, the ridiculousness, and the common ground in her play — we're hoping to have some laughs, illuminate some truths, and find a hopeful and uplifting way to end a momentous day."