Rohan Preston's review of "The Taming of the Shrew" at the Guthrie Theater ("Brits bring Shakespeare comedies to the Guthrie," March 5) missed the point and the power of this gripping production. The first act pays homage to the comedic setup of the story. But, make no mistake, the second act is about an abuser and an abused woman. And at the end, the abuser is left alone onstage, shunned by all the other characters.

I note that on the day the review appeared, the Star Tribune carried articles about a husband arrested in connection with the murder of a wife who has disappeared and about a teenage boy arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of his 17-year-old girlfriend; the next day we read about a man who confessed to killing and dismembering his wife because she planned to leave him.

The current production is an acting tour de force and an unforgettable theatrical experience that illuminates our times. That's what theater is all about.

Karen Bachman, Minneapolis

The writer is a member of the Guthrie Theater board of directors.