David Auburn’s Proof explores the topics of mental health and sexism in a late 1990s world, (specifically, 1999). Catherine has the mathematical ability to keep up with her father when he was in his prime, but her fear of becoming like him and the misogyny of the scientific community hinders her ability to showcase this talent. Catherine’s greatest fear is of the unknown behind her father’s declining mental health. She spends her time helping take care of him, while attempting to balance her own mental instability.
This insecurity is highlighted in flashbacks during the show where Catherine has to try and cope with living in her father’s shadow, in addition to trying to prove her own worth to herself and the people around her; this situation is complicated further when factors such as Catherine’s own mental health and her struggles with developing depression comes into play.
What makes Proof such a relatable story, even if you don’t enjoy math or understand mathematical proofs, is that the characters experience emotions that, albeit complex, are based in realism. Proof is a show about connections between family and friends, the stigma of mental health and the pressures that those factors place on a family dynamic.
Although not explicitly stated in the script, numerous symptoms of mental disorders are showcased in Proof-- primarily symptoms of bipolar depression (expressed as manic highs and depressive lows) and graphomania (an obsessive compulsive need to write and publish work, linked to depression and anxiety).
October 10th is recognized internationally as World Mental Health Day, initiated by the World Federation of Mental Health back in 1992 to advocate for mental health awareness and taking action against the social stigma of mental disorders. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2019 was Suicide Prevention. Mental Health Awareness month in the United States is observed in May.
It is my hope that Proof helps to erase not only the idea that women are incapable of being as mathematically competent as men but also the stigma of mental health disorders such as depression and obsessive compulsion. Mental health awareness continues to be explored more in realistic contemporary theatre and is something that pertains especially to college students, making this story from the 1990s just as relevant in the university setting in 2019.
- Rhiannon Hall
Please consider recycling your program after show. Ushers will have baskets outside the theatre to collect them.
