{Proof} of a riveting evening at the theater

This month in Keeseville, Artistry Community Theatre presents a drama tackling both mental illness and genius, while offering you a remarkable glimpse into the world of mathematics and mathematicians. 

Proof tells the story of Catherine, the daughter of Robert, a recently deceased mathematical genius in his fifties and professor at the University of Chicago. Catherine had cared for her father through a lengthy mental illness. Upon Robert’s death, his ex-graduate student Hal discovers a paradigm-shifting proof about prime numbers in Robert’s office. 

The title of the play refers both to that proof and to the play’s central question: Can Catherine prove the proof’s authorship? 

While trying to establish the authenticity of the proof, Catherine also becomes romantically involved with Hal. Throughout the play, her fear of becoming like her father—both in terms of his mathematical brilliance and mental instability—is explored, along with her intense efforts to remain in control of her own mind and future.

Cast members in this production at AuSable Valley Grange include four actors who live in the North Country: Shelby Klemann, Brendan Jones, Marie Agan and Jagan Drowlette.

“The performance venue creates an intimate theatre where all actors are close to the audience,” Annie-Laurie Lemieux, show director, said. “This piece is emotionally packed and being able to experience it up close makes it all that more intense, beautiful, and powerful. This cast cast crew have worked together as a family for the last few months as we created characters and built their stories. This is an incredibly talented cast, each person was able to harness the complexities behind their individual characters.”

The show contains adult content, language and themes.

Rehearsal photos courtesy:
Annie-Laurie Lemieux