Proof

First-time director Caitlin Hill gives David Auburn’s 20-year old award-winning play Proof a radiant remake with a cast sent from heaven.

Despite its multi-layered themes of maths and mental illness, the play’s heart is all about love – parental and sibling relationships, caring for family, and the excitement of a potential new relationship. These elements of love demand that we like, or at least learn to like, the characters involved. That is not a problem in this production, as the cast simply radiate warmth and are a joy to watch in action.

The play is fast-paced, with snappy Chicago dialogue which Caitlin Hill has managed to capture to a tee (with vocal coach, Marcus Oborn). Caitlin has done a fabulous job of keeping the necessary pace for this quick two-act piece, eliciting wonderful performances from her cast.

There are many questions that keep the action engaging … The ‘proof’ at the centre of the play is a notebook containing a ground-breaking mathematical proof about prime numbers. The other proof in question is: who really wrote the formula and can they prove that they wrote it? If it was Robert, what was his mental state at the time? How sexist is the world of academic mathematics? And, quite frankly, is Hal interested in Catherine romantically, or does he just want to get his hands on that proof?

Janaki Gerard holds the piece together as the central character of Catherine. Her performance brilliantly combines clarity, concentration and confusion. The scenes with her father Robert, are heartfelt and humorous. You can feel their closeness. Robert is played by Doll Hunt, a musician and actor who has only recently returned to the theatre. His performance leaves you wanting to see more of his calm confidence and warmth on stage.

Catherine’s sister, Claire, is a pushy New Yorker, delightfully brought to life by Aimee Duroux. Aimee studied in New York, so she brings an authenticity – and much humour – to the role. Originally from Detroit, award-winning writer and performer, Pierce Gordon, adds a bonus layer of comedy and tension as Robert’s former student, Hal, a nervous, wary, geeky, but loveable mathematician (and drummer!) Individually all these performers are great, but it’s the ensemble work that infuses this piece deeply, making it a memorable and must-see production. These are all upcoming star performers and it would be foolish of you to miss out on seeing their Proof.

There’s also some superbly enigmatic music by the experienced sound designer and composer, Tony Brumpton. And, as with any Ad Astra production, there are valuable backstage personnel who contribute to every show. In this case, production assistant, Sam Hocking, stage managers, Petria and Ebony Leong, and intimacy co-ordinator, Jacqui Somerville, all deserve a mention for their part in finessing a well-rounded, engaging and entertaining production.

Note: Catherine is also performed by understudy, Malika Savory, for three performances.

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Kate Lund

Find out more: https://www.adastracreativity.com/productions/proof