The "Proof" lies within the play
The cast and crew of "Proof:" (back row, from left) Davi Soesilo, Kevin Ressler, Michael Stauffer; (front row, from left) Miriam Yoder, Rachel Swartzendruber, Patrick Reynolds, and Rachel Schrock.
The flier reads, "Between genius and madness lies...Proof," and who am I but a lowly critic to disagree. Madness was ever present in the play though "genius" serves as a good description overall.
I had the privilege of attending the final performance of the play this past Saturday and I must say that I was impressed. My reaction was not solely based on the play's direction or acting by the four members of the cast, but also on a great choice of plays. "Proof" was the winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for best play. I am excited that EMU undertook this project and did an exceptional job.
The play has an intriguing way of going back and forth between moments of time that allows the audience to get a rounded view of the four characters. Insanity and genius are in full view as they continually battle for control over the story's protagonist, Catherine, played very well by Rachel Swartzendruber. The battlefield takes place on two stages, Catherine's mind and Catherine's backyard. It might seem hard to imagine that a play involving one continual setting, a grand total of four on-stage characters, and constant incorporation of high-level mathematics could turn out a great play, but I am witness to the feat.
The play, directed by EMU Professor of Theater Patrick Reynolds, was performed on the newly built stage in the old gym. Uses of appropriate lighting, stage presence by the actors, audibility, and good acting throughout made my first encounter with a Reynolds play a success. With the exception of uncontrollable heat and stuffiness, the new theater space is a great place to attend a play. Throughout much of the performance that I attended the audience could be seen, and distractingly heard, fanning themselves with their play bulletins.
The heat aside, every seat appears to be a good seat. However, by the level of interest that "Proof" attracted both at EMU and within the community, either the number of seats or the number of showings should be increased. I saw people trying to purchase last-minute tickets and failing to do so. Therefore they did not get to attend the closest thing to stage brilliance I have been privy to since arriving at EMU three years ago.
If you are one of many who were unable to attend due to sold-out shows or lack of time, you are not out of luck. A video recording of the play is available on reserve in the EMU library.
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