Proof by Davkd Auburn is on at the Network Theatre as part of the Lambeth Fringe.
“Catherine has sacrificed her education and social life to care for her brilliant but unstable father during the worst of his mental degeneration.
On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday Catherine must deal not only with the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire, but also with the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks of Robert’s.
As Catherine confronts Hal’s affections and Claire’s plans for her life, she struggles to solve the most perplexing problem of all: How much of her father’s madness or genius will she inherit?”
Where: Network Theatre
When: 8 – 11 Oct
Ticket link: https://lambethfringe.com/events/proof-by-david-auburn
Director Julia Papp and the cast (Shaylyn Gibson – Catherine, Meighread Dandeneau – Claire, Romain Mereau – Hal, Patrick Hurley – Robert) answered some questions about their production.
Proof is a 21st century classic about the mind. What attracted you to the show?
Julia: I first read this play about 20 years ago and I instantly fell in love with it.
Then 15 years ago I was lucky enough to play its protagonist Catherine so this is a play I know very well but it’s very exciting to approach it as a director and still discover new nuances.
We have an amazing cast who absolutely blow me away at every rehearsal and I can’t wait to share it with an audience.
Shaylyn: Proof is a play about the thin line between genius and mental illness, but it’s also about relationships— how they are built and how they are destroyed.
I love this play because the four characters in it are all deeply complex, interesting, funny, and flawed. The way these characters interact leaves a lot of grey area for audiences’ opinions.
You are kind of constantly changing your mind about things. As an actor, it’s both a challenge and a joy to be exploring.
Romain: I was introduced to Proof by one of my acting teachers many years ago and performed a scene from it in class.
It’s a terrific play with strong characters, and it subverted my expectations multiple times. I thought… I’d love to be in this one day. And here I am!
Meighread: It’s a monumental piece of writing. There is delicious nuance and psychological truth in every line. As an actor, the play feels quite meaty.
Playing Claire means getting to play a fascinating sister relationship – one I don’t personally have, but absolutely sympathize with.
Patrick: Although I never saw the original Broadway production, I read about it and am a fan of Larry Bryggman – the actor who originated the role of Robert.
Any role that was good enough for him AND Anthony Hopkins has to be a pretty meaty, interesting character… and sure enough: Robert is fascinating and multi-layered and funny and tragic and ultimately very, very human.
Why should audiences choose to come to this play, and what might they expect?
Patrick: This is a play for people who enjoy digging into the human condition, with humour, familial dysfunction and a dash of sexy romance. It is both highly intellectual and eminently relatable.
Julia: It’s such a multilayered play. At its core it’s about relationships. It’s about the different paths we chose to take and their consequences.
It’s about the sacrifices we are willing to make for our loved ones. It’s about coming to terms with loss. It’s about trying to make a mark. It’s about the unknowability of love.
Meighread: It’s about teetering on the brink of madness, loving someone you shouldn’t, and warring with family over what’s best for you all. This is a deeply felt script with everything you could want from a classic play.
Shaylyn: The play is very funny but it also has a lot of heart. I think audiences can expect to be flip-flopping a bit about certain characters, certain plot points. The play gives you plenty to mull over.
Romain: At its heart, Proof is about family and how we aspire to be like (or not like) our parents. It’s beautifully written and I think everyone will connect to this story. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know any math!
Is it inspiring to be included in the Lambeth Fringe?
Meighread: It’s an honor to be performing alongside emerging and established artists for the Lambeth Fringe!
Julia: I’m very excited about being included in the programme and I also can’t wait to check out some of the other shows. They have a great line-up.
Shaylyn: It’s such a great showcase for the arts and there’s so much on— we are truly in some incredible company.
Patrick: All festivals that support community arts are to be celebrated, and it’s an honour to be included in Lambeth Fringe.
Romain: Yes! There’s an incredible energy around the Lambeth Fringe. It’s like all the shows are different flavours in a big box of jellybeans. Something for everyone!
What’s next for this show?
Julia: Proof is – as many other shows are – like fireworks. It’s only on for 8-11th Oct at the Network Theatre and then it’s gone forever so make sure to book your tickets now.