Like character-driven plays? Here's 'Proof' on every level
By Kathleen Allen
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona Published: 04.03.2009
Please don't tell Sheldon Metz that "Proof" is about math.
It drives the director to distraction.
"People think this play is about mathematics," Metz said about the David Auburn piece, which Beowulf Alley Theatre opens in previews next Friday.
Jill Baker, left, and Chris Farishon are among the cast members of Beowulf Alley Theatre's "Proof."
Courtesy of Beowulf Alley Theatre
"That's a distortion. It's a romantic, warm play. A play that makes you think."
Sure, most of the characters in "Proof" are mathematicians. And that title seems to clearly refer to math — a proof is the steps that lead to a logical mathematical conclusion.
But it's so much more, said Metz.
"Math is simply a device to show the relationships," he said in a phone interview.
"Proof" is about a young woman, a budding mathematician, who has long cared for her father, a brilliant and established mathematician who has a tenuous hold on his mind.
She struggles with the fear that she, too, may have the mental illness that has plagued her father.
She struggles, as well, with convincing her sister and a student of her father's that a brilliant mathematical proof discovered was written by her, and not her dad.
"There are proofs going on throughout the whole show," said Metz.
"The proof of her sanity or insanity, the proof of a romantic relationship, proof of an older sister's motivation for reaching out to her sister. It's a validation of relationships."
"Proof" snagged both the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 2001. It was made into a well-received movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Anthony Hopkins in 2005.
But this was written for the stage and comes most alive in that environment.
And, Metz hopes, you won't leave the theater talking about math.
"I want the audience to walk out and discuss if she is crazy or not, and does she resolve the situation with her sister," he said.
"I want the audience to discuss the relationships between the characters. If you think this is about math, you're missing a great character-driven play."
If you go
"Proof"
• By: David Auburn.
• Presented by: Beowulf Alley Theatre Company.
• Director: Sheldon Metz.
• When: Preview is 7:30 p.m. next Friday; opening is 7:30 p.m. April 11. Regular performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 1:30 p.m. Sundays through April 26.
• Where: Beowulf Alley Theatre, 11 S. Sixth Ave.
• Tickets: Preview is $10, regular performances, $20.
• Information/reservations: 882-0555, or www.beowulfalley.org
• Cast: Jill Baker, Chris Farishon, Jonathan Northover and Roberto Guajardo.
• Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes, with one intermission.
Contact reporter Kathleen Allen at kallen@azstarnet.com or 573-4128.
