Title: Proof
Author: David Auburn
First published January 1, 2000
96 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780571199976 (ISBN10: 0571199976)
Rating: 3.99
Overview
The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Proof, delves into the complexities of love and science. The story follows Catherine, a devoted caretaker to her brilliant mathematician father, Robert.
After his passing, Catherine is confronted with her sister’s desire for her to leave and a former student’s search for Robert’s genius within his work. As Catherine struggles with exhaustion and resentment, she discovers that she possesses her father’s brilliance and instability.
As Catherine and Hal connect over their passion for math, they confront the unpredictability of genius and the human instinct for love and trust. Proof is a poignant exploration of life’s mysteries and the boundaries of knowledge.
About the Author
Meet David Auburn, a talented American playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director. His work has captivated audiences worldwide, but he is perhaps most renowned for his 2000 masterpiece Proof.
This exceptional play earned him the prestigious 2001 Tony Award for Best Play and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Editoral Review
David Auburn’s Proof is a Pulitzer-winning play that takes the reader on an emotional journey of love, loss, and mental illness. Auburn, an American playwright, was born in Chicago in 1969 and raised in Ohio.
His gift for dialogue and exploration of complex themes has made him a renowned figure in American theater. In Proof, he explores the fragile bonds between a father and a daughter and the ravages of mental illness on human relationships.
The play is set in Chicago and revolves around Catherine, a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the death of her father, a brilliant mathematician named Robert. Taking place over the course of a few days after Robert’s passing, the play explores the strained relationship between Catherine and her father, as well as her own struggle with mental illness.
As her sister Claire and her father’s protg Hal arrive at the family home, tensions reach a boiling point as the truth about Robert’s life and work begin to emerge. Auburn’s writing is exceptional, with sharp, witty dialogue that captivates the audience from the very first scene.
The plot is well-structured, with carefully timed reveals that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The play’s themes of mental illness, genius, and family dynamics are thoughtfully explored, and the characters are complex, fully-realized individuals.
One of the play’s greatest strengths is its characters. Catherine is a dynamic, empathetic protagonist whose struggles with mental illness are depicted with sensitivity and nuance.
Her father Robert is a complex, flawed figure whose love for his daughter is clear, even as he struggles to connect with her emotionally. Hal, the mathematician who enters the family’s life after Robert’s death, is charming and likable, but also flawed in his own way.
Claire, Catherine’s estranged sister, is a bit of a caricature, but her presence adds depth to the family dynamic. Throughout Proof, Auburn masterfully explores the connections between mental illness and creativity, as well as the dynamics of a family dealing with loss.
His writing is taut and precise, and the pacing of the play is excellent, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers engaged. The play’s ending is poignant and satisfying, effectively tying up loose ends while leaving the audience with plenty to think about.
While Proof is primarily a work of fiction, it raises important questions about mental illness and the stigma surrounding it. The play’s depiction of mental illness is grounded in reality, and Auburn examines the ways in which society can both support and stigmatize those who struggle with mental health issues.
As mental health continues to be a pressing issue in modern society, Proof remains a relevant and thought-provoking work of literature. Overall, Proof is an exceptional play that explores complex themes with intelligence and nuance.
The characters are interesting and fully-realized, and the plot is well-structured and engaging. Auburn’s writing is sharp and witty, and his exploration of mental illness is both sensitive and thought-provoking.
For fans of theater or anyone interested in exploring the connections between mental illness and creativity, Proof is an absolute must-read. I give it five out of five stars.
