Shakespeare · Soliloquies & Solo Speeches
Production Notes
Petruchio announces his strategy for wooing Katherine before she enters: he will contradict everything she says or does, turning her sharpest weapons against her. The speech is a comic battle plan, delivered with the confidence of a man who believes he can out-maneuver anyone.
Great for Players working with physical comedy and comic timing. The speech is rhythmically tight — each “Say that she…” clause a new move in a game. Let Players feel the mounting absurdity without losing Petruchio’s genuine self-assurance.
Script
PETRUCHIO
I’ll woo her with some spirit when she comes! Say that she rail, why then I’ll tell her plain She sings as sweetly as a nightingale. Say that she frown, I’ll say she looks as clear As morning roses newly washed with dew. Say she be mute and will not speak a word, Then I’ll commend her volubility And say she uttereth piercing eloquence. If she do bid me pack, I’ll give her thanks As though she bid me stay by her a week. If she deny to wed, I’ll crave the day When I shall ask the banns, and when be marrièd. But here she comes — and now, Petruchio, speak.
Facilitator Notes
Warm-up: Play a game of opposites — one Player says or does something, the partner responds with the opposite and frames it as a compliment. Then try the speech.
Debrief prompts:
- Petruchio names each of Katherine’s rumored qualities — loud, sharp, unyielding — and treats them as assets. What does his strategy assume about her?
- The final line is a private instruction to himself: “now, Petruchio, speak.” What does that moment of self-coaching reveal about his actual confidence level?
- Is this a villain speech or a hero speech? Where do Players land, and why?
- How does the speech change if we imagine Katherine is already listening from offstage?