CSB/SJU Theater Department presents ‘Proof’

“Proof,” a play about love, compassion, the mystery and beauty of numbers and relationships, begins a two-week run at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Colman Black Box Theater, Benedicta Arts Center, College of Saint Benedict.

The play, produced by the CSB and SJU Theater Department, continues at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15; and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19-21.

“Proof” is set near the University of Chicago campus. Catherine is the daughter of Robert, a deceased mathematical genius and a professor at the university. Throughout the play, she struggles with who she is and what her future should be. Is she a mathematical genius? Has she inherited her father’s mental illness? Upon Robert’s death, his ex-graduate student Hal discovers a paradigm-shifting proof about prime numbers in Robert’s desk. Catherine, who is in a relationship with Hal, claims to have written the complex proof.

Although the play is realistic, the order of the scenes jump backward and forward in time.

“I am glad we chose to produce this play,” said Kaarin Johnston, professor of theater at CSB and SJU and the director of the production. “Every time I read it or hear the actors speak the words, the ideas reveal themselves to be more varied, more subtle and more beautiful. The play is like a prayer.”

The cast includes CSB elementary education major Lisa Schneider (Catherine), CSB/SJU Associate Professor of Theater and faculty designer Mark Hennigs (Robert); SJU theater major Brandon Bakken (Hal); and CSB mathematics and theater double-major Beth Cassidy (Claire, who is Catherine’s older sister).

The play, which was written by American playwright David Auburn, premiered off-Broadway in May 2000, and was transferred to Broadway in October 2000. “Proof” won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony Award for Best Play, and was adapted to film in 2005 with Gwyneth Paltrow starring as Catherine, Anthony Hopkins as Robert, Hope Davis as Claire and Jake Gyllenhaal as Hal.

Panel discussions will follow the two Friday performances. On Feb. 13, members of the CSB/SJU mathematics department will speak on the play. On Feb. 20, two members of the CSB/SJU faculty will talk about love and trust in relationships.

Tickets for “Proof” are $10 for adults and $7 for students, faculty, staff, children and seniors. They are available by calling 320-363-5777; in person at the box office at the BAC; or online.

Please note that the play is not intended for children; it includes swearing and obscenities. All the characters are adults, and two spend the night together. There are also sexual references in the play.