For years Catherine has taken care of her father (Robert) a mathematical genius, who’s cognitive abilities have been seriously impaired, and propensity for manic episodes all too frequent. Catherine’s dad has passed over, leaving her to process their years together, their shared connection of mathematics, being ambushed by sister Clare to move from her home. Added to the mix is Hal, a protege of Robert’s and an erstwhile romantic interest. Neither Clare nor Hal have a grasp of Catherine’s struggles or how to help.
Written by David Auburn, {proof} takes a long, pensive look at Catherine’s life with her dad, the warmth and closeness and frustrations and patience. We wonder if Robert, who most emphatically was not self-absorbed, understood his daughter might very well be a prodigy, herself. {proof} raises several issues. How do we grapple with the possibility we might inherit a destructive, painful mental illness? Do the people closest to Catherine assume she couldn’t be her dad’s equal, simply because she’s female? Catherine doesn’t reveal her brilliance, but why is this a blind spot? Why do they need to be convinced? Why must greater minds genuflect at the altar of ignorance and misogyny? Why does Catherine owe anyone an explanation?
Catherine’s most salient quality is her anger. The world keeps imposing solutions that won’t actually heal or alleviate her suffering. She’s been a devoted daughter, doing everything possible to nurture and support her father, while a parade of acolytes have lived in a spare room, kowtowing. Her value has been eclipsed by her dad. A dad who always respected and appreciated her. Auburn chooses the title: “{proof}”, a mathematical exercise, but also as a way of describing the supposed contingency of Catherine’s brilliance. So much easier to dismiss her as petulant or scrappy.
Auburn explores Catherine’s life and struggles, while avoiding recognizable feminist rhetoric. He considers how subtly culture indoctrinates, by tacit presumption and encoded behavior. A particular scene suggests Catherine won’t pursue her own vocation (or pick up the torch?) until Robert can no longer go forward. It’s the responsibilities she’s saddled with, and the sad understanding that if she’d been Robertson’s son, no one would insult her with doubts. It’s what Hal and Clare bring to the table without even realizing it.
Allen Contemporary Theatre has taken on a difficult, understated, eloquent drama, with clarity and intelligence. The performances are strong, touching and memorable. So often I am gobsmacked by the level of sophisticated, implacable, impeccable theatre I find at ACT. Simply put, their current production of {proof} is what the best live drama is all about.
Allen Contemporary Theatre and Mikey Abrams, Realtor and Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club present {proof} playing August 18th-September 3rd, 2023. 1210 East Main Street # 300, Allen, Texas, 75002. 844-822-8849. allencontemporarytheatre.net