Smart drama explores relationship between genius, mental illness

Whitefish Theatre Company presents a Black Curtain reading of “Proof” by David Auburn, winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a quick-witted and stubborn young woman, has spent years caring for Robert, her unstable but brilliant father known as a mathematical genius at the University of Chicago. Following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions, the arrival of her estranged sister and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who discovers a paradigm-shifting proof about prime numbers in the 103 notebooks her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problems of all: Can Catherine prove the proof's authorship?  

“It’s a captivating piece of theater,” director Nancy Nei said. “It explores the complex relationship between genius and mental illness, a topic that is both timely and timeless. The play raises questions about inheritance, identity and the challenges of living in the shadow of a parent's brilliance.”   

“The script, by David Auburn (the writer of the screenplay by the same name), has created an amazing fast paced and clever stage adaptation. It’s infused with wit, hilarity and pain with equal impact. It's a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience,” she added.  

Cast members include Becky Rygg as Catherine, Laura Abernethy as Claire, Gil Jordan as Robert and Adam Robinson as Hal. A Black Curtain production means actors will read from scripts and there will be minimum staging, sets and props.  

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. A 2 p.m. matinee performance will also be held Nov. 10. 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org., at the Box Office at 1 Central Ave., or by calling 862-5371.  

The production is sponsored by John and Marianne Evenhuis, Bet and Doug Wise and Linda and David Hunt.