Proof
by David Auburn
Directed by Mike Daley
Catherine has inherited her late father’s Robert’s mathematical brilliance, but she is haunted by the fear that she might also share his debilitating mental illness. After years spent caring for him, she is now left alone to pick up the pieces of her life without him. Caught between a new-found connection with Hal, one of her father’s former students, and the reappearance of her sister, Claire, Catherine finds both her world and her mind growing increasingly unstable, further complicated by the discovery of a groundbreaking mathematical proof among the numerous notebooks Robert left behind, the authorship of which remains to be seen. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, David Auburn’s Proof is a passionate, intelligent story about fathers and daughters, the nature of genius, and the power of love.
Playwright
David AUburn
David Auburn is an accomplished American playwright renowned for his celebrated work "Proof," which debuted in 2000 and secured the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2001. The narrative unravels the life of Catherine, the offspring of a brilliant yet mentally unstable mathematician, as she navigates her mathematical acumen and anxieties about mirroring her father's journey. In "Proof," Auburn meticulously examines the realms of mathematics, familial bonds, and the delicate boundary between brilliance and instability. The widespread recognition and success of the play, both on Broadway and across various stages, firmly established Auburn as a gifted playwright with a profound understanding of human sentiments and intellectual pursuits. His creation, "Proof," stands as a testament to his adept narrative skills and profound exploration of the intricate facets of the human mind.
Director
Mike Daley
Mike currently serves as President of the Dolphin Theatre. He has appeared onstage in Noises Off and A Few Good Men at Papakura Theatre, Dinner With Friends at Howick Little Theatre, and Time Stands Still, Nell Gwynn, and Death Of A Dream at Dolphin. He last directed The Country House at Dolphin in 2021. Daley ADORES this script and cannot wait to begin work on this project.
Director’s Notes
Proof is one of those plays that grabbed hold of me the first time I read it and has frankly never let me go. It leaps off the page and challenges the reader, daring you not to get invested in these characters. There are moments in this play that have lived rent-free in my head for years. I’ve probably read it a dozen times over the years, savoring Auburn’s razor sharp dialogue more and more with every pass. It’s one of the most complex, emotional, and frankly beautiful scripts I’ve ever encountered, which is all the more impressive given that the story pivots around, of all things, calculus.
I’ve had this script in my back pocket for ages, just waiting for the opportunity to have a crack at it. I’m delighted that the time has finally come and that I’m able to bring it to life at my home theatre, The Dolphin.
Cast
Grace Cullen
Grace Cullen
as Catherine
Trained in both theatre and film, Gracie has performed in NZ and London after graduating from Unitec where she completed her Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts. Ranging from Shakespeare, physical comedy and screen time, she enjoys all aspects of the craft and the depth of each character she brings to life. This is her second performance at the Dolphin after ‘The Country House’ and is excited to be back at it!
Scott Harding
Scott Harding
as Robert
Scott was last seen on the Dolphin stage last year in ‘Misery’, playing the parts of Sheriff Buster and understudy for Paul Sheldon.
Scott has enjoyed the journey of bringing the complex character of Robert to the stage, and he feels fortunate to be a part of such an awesome cast, supported by an amazing crew.
Richard Martin
as Hal
Proof is Richard's second show at Dolphin after playing Professor Plum in Clue, a role his parents called their 'favourite part of the show'. Single-handedly responsible for Clue selling out nearly every night (a statement he asked us not to fact-check), he has agreed to once again let us borrow his talents for Proof.
Natalie Pearl
as Claire
Natalie is excited to embrace her real life role as an older sister and type A personality as Claire.
Natalie is returning to The Dolphin following her role as Miss Scarlet in Clue earlier this year. Natalie has previously appeared as Yvette in Allo Allo, Vicki/Brooke in Noises Off, and Lt Cmdr Joanne Galloway in A Few Good Men. During the day, she is a clinical psychologist and loves combining the two worlds of acting and psychology.