The first Broadway revival of David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, “Proof,” is now captivating audiences with its exploration of grief and mental instability. Starring Ayo Edebiri in her Broadway debut as Catherine and Don Cheadle in his, the production plunges into the life of a young woman grappling with her father’s recent death and her own fragile mental state. Set on the Southside of Chicago in the 1990s, the play confronts themes of familial legacy, academic sexism, and the haunting possibility of hereditary mental illness, drawing viewers into a deeply personal struggle.

What Happened?

“Proof,” directed by Thomas Kail, opens on a seemingly quiet evening on the back porch of Catherine’s family home. It is Catherine’s 25th birthday. Her father, Robert, a brilliant but mentally unstable mathematician, appears eager to celebrate with champagne and mathematical banter. However, a jarring revelation soon emerges: Robert died a week prior. This initial scene immediately establishes the play’s intricate use of flashbacks, which are crucial to understanding Catherine’s perspective and her complex relationship with her late father.

Robert, portrayed commandingly by Don Cheadle, was a mathematical genius whose career at the University of Chicago was cut short by his descent into schizophrenia. For years, he was sequestered at home, filling hundreds of notebooks with what appeared to be nonsensical equations. Catherine, a brilliant mathematician in her own right, became his primary caregiver, making significant personal and professional sacrifices. Her exhaustion and the fear that she might inherit her father's mental illness weigh heavily on her. As the narrative progresses, Hal (Jin Ha), one of Robert’s former students, begins sifting through the professor’s notebooks, bringing Catherine’s long-concealed mathematical prowess and her self-inflicted loneliness into focus. The arrival of her older sister, Claire (Kara Young), from New York further complicates Catherine's emotional landscape, as Claire attempts to guide her sister out of her despair.

Key Highlights

The production is the first Broadway revival of David Auburn's Pulitzer and Tony-winning play, “Proof.”
Ayo Edebiri makes her Broadway debut as Catherine, a young woman struggling with grief and mental health.
Don Cheadle also makes his Broadway debut, delivering a commanding performance as Catherine's deceased father, Robert.
The play explores compelling themes including hereditary mental illness, the sacrifices of caregiving, and sexism in academia.
Set in the 1990s on the Southside of Chicago, the production cleverly uses flashbacks to reveal character dynamics and plot twists.
The scenic design by Teresa L. Williams, lighting by Amada Zieve, and original music by Kris Bowers create an immersive and ever-changing atmosphere.
While the supporting cast, including Cheadle, Young, and Jin Ha, delivers strong performances, Edebiri's dramatic portrayal has received mixed reviews for its authenticity.

Why Does This Matter?

“Proof” resonates deeply because it tackles some of the most universal and challenging aspects of the human experience. Grief is a common thread that connects us all, yet society often leaves individuals unprepared for its profound impact. The play vividly portrays how loss can profoundly affect mental health, especially for those already predisposed to instability. For many, Catherine’s struggle with her father’s legacy and her own fears about inheriting his condition will strike a chord, highlighting the importance of open conversations about mental health and the devastating effects of stigma. It sheds light on the often-unseen sacrifices made by caregivers, a role frequently undertaken by women, and prompts reflection on the immense emotional and practical toll this responsibility can take.

Furthermore, the play remains relevant by addressing the persistent issue of sexism in academia, exploring how talent and genius, particularly in fields like mathematics, can be overlooked or doubted when presented by a woman. It prompts audiences to question who is deemed a 'genius' and how familial legacies shape our self-perception and capabilities. Despite its dramatic core, this revival injects moments of levity and sarcasm, making its heavy themes more accessible and thought-provoking for a contemporary audience. The questions it raises about truth, perception, and the nature of brilliance continue to spark important discussions long after the curtain falls, proving its enduring power.