Award winning play investigates the nature of genius

Proof-publicity-pic-1A modern Pullitzer prize winning play which examines the nature of genius, is the latest production from Bristol theatre company the Kelvin Players.

Written by David Auburn, Proof looks at one woman’s struggles to reach out from her father’s shadow and examines the competitive nature of families.

It tells the story of Catherine a young woman who has quit her university course and spent the last few years caring for her father Robert, an unstable genius and mathematics professor at the University of Chicago.

She has some of his mathematical talents, but fears she may also have inherited his mental illness.

On Robert’s death, Hal, a former student, searches eagerly through his notebooks for a new mathematical proof that will make his career.

Meanwhile Claire, Robert’s elder daughter, is concerned with selling the family home and taking Catherine away.

Director Tessa Garrett, explains why she chose to direct Proof:

“The play is like a mystery story, as we’re left wondering who was the author of the proof. The title refers both to that proof and to the play’s central question: Can Catherine prove the proof’s authorship? Throughout, the play explores Catherine’s fear of following in her father’s footsteps, both mathematically and mentally and her desperate attempts to stay in control.

“It’s a wonderful piece of drama and an examination of the true nature of genius.”

This contemporary award-winning (Pulitzer Prize for Drama 2001, Tony Award Best Play 2001) American play explores Catherine’s complex relationships with the others, the question of her sanity and the authorship of that critical ‘proof’.

In 2005, it was made into a film starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Anthony Hopkins.

Proof runs from Tuesday 11 February to Saturday 15 January 2014 at the Kelvin Studio, 253b Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8NY.

Doors open from 7.00pm every evening where there is a licenced bar, with the performances starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are ten pounds Wednesday through to Saturday, and 8 pounds on Tuesday.

To book tickets please call 0117 9593636, email boxoffice@kelvinplayers.co.uk or visit www.kelvinplayers.co.uk.

You can follow Kelvin Players on Twitter @KelvinPlayers.

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