Eugene Ballet Debuts Steampunk Taming of the Shrew

The production features two performances at the Hult Center with reimagined staging and steampunk machines.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Dance

Bold vector editorial illustration of a brass and copper steampunk gear assembly, centered as a symbolic representation of the ballet's stage design. — The Eugene Ballet debuts a reimagined production of The Taming of the Shrew at the Hult Center, incorporating custom steampunk mechanical stage elements. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Eugene Ballet presents a bold adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew, featuring custom steampunk machinery created by Archive Designs. The production marks a refined take on the company’s 2022 premiere, utilizing dance to convey the narrative rather than spoken dialogue.

Why it matters

Director Suzanne Haag aimed to modernize the classic story by introducing a female perspective inspired by writer Emilia Bassano. The production also emphasizes a refined approach to the relationship between Katherine and Petruchio by reducing depictions of violence.

The production includes 42 scenes and three pas de deux set to live music by composer Louise Farrenc. Ticket prices for the event at the Hult Center start at $32.

The players

Eugene Ballet

This professional dance company based in Eugene produces classical and contemporary works for the local community.

Suzanne Haag

She serves as the director for this production and portrays a character inspired by the historical writer Emilia Bassano.

Joe Mross

An artisan and creator associated with Archive Designs who produced the unique steampunk machines for the stage.

Danielle Tolmie and Mark Tucker

This married couple performs the lead roles of Katherine and Petruchio in the ballet.

The details

Married couple Danielle Tolmie and Mark Tucker lead the cast as Katherine and Petruchio in this physically expressive adaptation. Joe Mross designed the debut steampunk machines, while Suzanne Haag takes on the role of a character based on Emilia Bassano to reframe the story.

The ballet adaptation first premiered in 2022.
The first performance takes place on October 30, 2026.
The final performance concludes on November 1, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This production follows the precedent set by the 2022 Eugene Ballet production of The Taming of the Shrew, while integrating new stage technology. The adaptation reflects a broader trend of regional companies reinterpreting classical texts to better align with contemporary narrative sensitivities.

Attendees can view the two scheduled performances at the Hult Center beginning on October 30. Tickets for the ballet are currently available starting at a price of $32.

The takeaway

This production demonstrates how traditional ballets can be transformed through new stagecraft and modernized thematic interpretations. Viewers looking to understand the narrative can focus on the non-verbal storytelling methods used to replace the original dialogue.