PROOF

PROOF plays with the fascinating paradox that while mathematics is a perfect science where one plus one always equals two, in life, problems cannot be resolved as easily as square roots or algebra. Life is messy and doesn’t follow reliable algorithms.

Ensemble Theatre, under the direction of Sandra Bates, earnestly brings David Auburn’s Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play to life to explore this paradox. Aided in no small part by Matilda Ridgway as Catherine, who is thrilling and delightfully messy for all the right reasons. 

When Catherine’s genius father Robert (Michael Ross) – a university professor of mathematical proofs – suddenly loses his mental faculties and cannot take care of himself, Catherine is confounded by the total inexplicability of the situation. She gives up her college studies to tirelessly care for him in the hope of full recovery. When Robert dies, Catherine’s older sister Claire (Catherine McGraffin) arrives home after a long absence for the funeral, and a persistent past-pupil Hal (Adriano Cappelletta) begins frequent visitations to sort through the professor’s neglected workbooks. Suddenly, Catherine is forced to re-adjust to another terrifying reality – life without her father and the possibility that she could be the next to lose her mind.

Proof cleverly deals with mental illness using the relatable lens of mathematics. It methodically works through two common dilemmas faced by families who have been impacted by mental illness: The discourse surrounding benefits of palliative care versus personal home care for the ill. Is career success more important than familial responsibilities? And the uncertainty of knowing whether mental illness is hereditary. There are no conclusive proofs either way, but the battle of ideas is compelling to watch.

Matilda Ridgway’s performance is a highlight. She’s raw and compulsive as Catherine, with an energy that resembles a young Cate Blanchett. Her chemistry with Cappelletta is palpable as their respective characters bond over a mutual love of mathematics and Catherine’s father. Catherine McGraffin as the concerned but driven Claire, and Michael Ross as the youthfully doddery father also give strong performances. The theatre space is used well, and clear direction from Sandra Bates helps focus attention on the sharp dialogue.

Proof  has a gentle but powerful message about the peculiarities of mental illness. It deals with the disease with a reverence that will hold particular relevance to those who have first-hand experience of its unsolvable proof.

Maryann Wright

Images (from top): Matilda Ridgway, Matilda Ridgway and Adriano Cappelletta, & Matilda Ridgway and Michael Ross. Photographer: Clare Hawley.