Donya Feizbakhsh on “Proof”
When you think of a proof, numbers and mathematical equations from high school pop into your head. All you see are jumbled numbers and missing exponents. But what you seem to have forgotten is the concept of a proof. The concept of a proof, mathematical or not, is to prove something. Proof, a drama filled play written by David Auburn, collectively describes the importance of a mathematical proof and the willingness involved in believing in the facts presented. HTAC presented their production of Proof for two weekends this April. I walked into Bacchus, unfamiliar with the show. To be honest, all I knew about it was that, “There are some crazy mathematicians in it!”. I only knew this because that’s what my fellow HTAC members screamed at me as I passed their Kiosk in the Trabant food court. I was introduced to Maggie Stohler, who portrayed the character of Catherine. Catherine is stuck in a state of depression and is constantly questioning her resemblance to her fathers fatal insanity. Watching Maggie morph into someone you pitied, was quite something. Catherine’s character is intriguing. She is on the break of insanity, simply because she believes it is her fate. Maggie took the part of Catherine and used Catherine’s weaknesses to engulf the audience into a bigger phenomenon. The idea that brilliance is mixed with insanity. Watching the story unfold, I was captivated by each actor’s presence and grasp of their individual characters. It was a brilliant performance. HTAC’s production was the first production of Proof I have experienced. But, pun intended, I don’t need any proof to know this is the best production there is.
Harrington Theatre Arts Company
