Proof
Walnut Street Theatre’s Studio 3 is currently hosting the Tony award winning play, "Proof," and it is a must-see on every count. The story is set in the days following the death of Robert, a brilliant mathematician whose legacy is tarnished by his late in life mental illnesses. This death brings his two daughters, Catherine and Claire, together as well as one of his past students, Hal.
A very large aspect of the show’s plot has to do with Catherine’s alleged brilliance passed down from her late father...as well as hints of his mental illness. As the former primary caretaker of Robert during his illnesses, Catherine carries heavy levels of stress and resentment towards the direction her life has taken. Most of this negativity is channeled into laziness and she spends much of the play lashing out at Hal and Claire.
While questions of Robert’s work in the end of his life was legitimate swirl around the household, Catherine continues to have misgivings about using her talent to follow in her father’s footsteps with the fear that her mental health will also be at risk.
Problems arise when she begins to take her responsibilities seriously and finds that Claire and Hal share some of her previous worries, particularly in regard to an advanced proof that is found amidst Robert’s work.
The production is a small one, but effective in creating the appropriate atmosphere. Each of the four actors were stellar in their efforts of increasing the urgency and drama in the show. With much of the material referring to mathematics and the academic world, this play could have veered into boring territory. But it was lifted by exciting and vulnerable performances.
"Proof" has a universal appeal to anyone who has found themselves wasting their talents and ambition due to fears of the direction it could take their lives. Catherine at age 25 is at that shaky time between adolescent dreaming and adult decision making that is so disastrous for many. While Catherine possesses superior talent above what many of us can hope for, her struggle to accept the drearier aspects of life is gripping and honest.
"Proof" is highly recommended. It is a fast-paced and intelligent play that speaks to many aspects of human life and the different directions it can progress. It is a truly magnificent showing of creativity with an oft-ignored subject matter.
"Proof" plays through February 5 at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. For info or tickets visit http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org
