University Theatre to present Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play


Tue, 09/23/2014

author

Heather Anderson

LAWRENCE— Dealing with loss, mental illness and the value of trust, “Proof” is a poignant drama about the nature of genius. The play will open at the University Theatre on Oct. 3.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3-4 and 7-9 as well as 2:30 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Inge Theatre, Murphy Hall.

“The characters in ‘Proof’ are fascinating. The actors and I are striving to develop and show the truthfulness in each character. They are not caricatures of people, but real people that I believe audiences will relate to,” said Amanda Boyle, director and theatre doctoral student. “Each character has moments where the audience will laugh with them, laugh at them, criticize them and empathize with them. The play and its characters embrace realism and push it to the limits, and sometimes beyond.”

“Proof” is the story of Catherine, a young woman unsettled by the recent death of her father, a famous mathematician who suffered from mental illness in his declining years. Having put off her own academic ambitions to care for her father, Catherine struggles to adjust to life without him while also exploring a relationship with Hal, one of his former students. Eventually, Catherine’s own mental health comes into question when she shows Hal a brilliant mathematical proof that he assumes was written by her father, but she claims to be hers.

“This play is still relevant today. As the actors and I dig into the play in rehearsals, we constantly find connections to our own relationships, to our daily struggles, to death, to our academic lives, to our career goals and everything in between,” Boyle said. “This play is for everyone. Everyone can connect to some element of it.”

The company includes Gabriel Alaniz, Overland Park junior, as stage manager; Amanda Boyle, Lenexa doctoral student, director; Jaelyn Glennemeier, Rose Hill freshman, as Claire; Abby Hadel, Lenexa senior, as Catherine; Jenifer Harmon, Kansas City, Missouri, master's student, as costume and lighting designer; Brody Horn, Columbus senior, as Robert; Casey McNamara, Kansas City, Missouri, master's student, as scenic designer; and Josh Philoon, Wilmette, Illinois, freshman, as Hal.

Tickets for “Proof” are on sale now at KU ticket offices and online.  Tickets are also available by calling the University Theatre, 785-864-3982, and the Lied Center, 785-864-ARTS. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff, and $10 for children. KU student tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Tue, 09/23/2014

author

Heather Anderson

Media Contacts

Kathy Pryor

University Theatre

785-864-2695