BWW Interviews: Potomac Playmakers Production of PROOF to Feature the Mathematics of Mental Instability

How can you prove to the people you love that your work is your own, when you can't even be sure of your own sanity? This is one of the key dramatic issues in the Potomac Playmaker's production of David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize winning drama, Proof, directed by Barb McCormick and premiering Friday, September 26 at the Hagerstown Women's Club.

In Proof, Catherine (Amberley Edington) is dealing with the recent death of her father, unstable mathematical genius, Robert (played by Greg Berezuk), when her estranged sister, Claire, (Sandra Miles) returns to town for their father's funeral and Robert's old student, Hal (played by Tim Sowell), now a mathematics professors, takes a professional interest in Robert's unfinished work and a romantic interest in Catherine. When a mathematical proof is discovered which could change the modern idea of mathematics and Catherine claims to have written the proof, she must find a way to prove to her sister and Hal that she is the author of the proof, while simultaneously wondering if she has only inherited her father's insanity.

In an intimate show with thought-provoking questions, a deep understanding of each character's back story was necessary among the small cast.

"My character, Robert, is an acclaimed mathematics genius who is also mentally ill. The three scenes in which Robert appears cover a time span of four years over which the intensity with which his illness manifests waxes and wanes. It is almost like playing three different characters within the same show while maintaining the basic personality traits that are the threads connecting all three characters" said Greg Berezuk on playing Robert.

"Working with Amberley as Catherine has been a lot of fun! Getting to be her mean and overbearing sister has given us some moments of sheer hilarity. The times of intense fighting and emotion have been fun. I always wanted a younger sister, and am glad I never had an older sister like my character" said Sandra Miles about playing Claire.

"This is probably one of the most emotional roles I have played. It is a great story with a great cast. I like the fact that it is different from previous Potomac Playmakers' productions. I feel that it is a bit more edgy and modern" added Sowell.

"Because the script is so character-driven, we did a lot of personality study, to get the depth of the characters' back-stories right" said director Barb McCormick.

Mental instability and family mental health are prominent themes in Proof and the cast was able to showcase the sometimes harsh present realities of dealing with mental illness with dignity.

"The author deals with the impact of mental illness on families and associates in a way that's not preachy or pedantic. It's a very good story" said McCormick

"A central theme of the play is Robert's mental illness and his daughter's fear that her father's fate will also be hers. Anyone, myself included, who has dealt with the mental illness of a family member will relate especially well to this play. The characters debate the right way to care for their loved one, while knowing that no one can ever be certain what the right way is" said Berezuk.

"The intensity of the family relations, the highs and lows of the family dynamic, will capture the audience. We all have 'family issues', and this play embodies the fears, frustrations, and joys of not just dealing with family, but dealing with a family member with a psychiatric condition" said Miles.

The cast is preparing for opening night by strengthening their own relationships and camaraderie to bring this intimate story to life onstage.

"I like it as the play progressed and we got to know each other better in the cast. I feel like I do so much better on stage when I have a rapport with my cast mates. Everyone is super talented, so it was a little intimidating until I got to know them. It made me feel better I could mess up [in rehearsals] and they would have my back. Barb and the cast gave great feedback" said Sowell.

"Our director, Barb McCormick, has a wonderful way of encouraging actors to independently develop characters and then gently nudging us in rehearsals in the directions she would like the character to go. Proof won both the Tony and Pulitzer Prize for Best Play in 2001 and audiences will experience the world class storytelling and dialogue of one the most acclaimed modern playwrights" said Berezuk.

"My cast and crew were so easy to work with and were very coach-able. They all contributed great ideas, and I'm open to that. Their relationships with each other on-stage became genuine, and off-stage they became good friends. They also have a great deal of respect for each other professionally and personally. The actors have done an amazing job studying, layering and building their characters, so that they are absolutely believable. Every audience member will be able to relate to at least one of the characters, if not all" said McCormick.

Proof will be performed on September 26 and 27, and October 3 and 4 at 7:00 PM and September 28 and October 5 at 2:00 PM. All performances occur at the Hagerstown Women's Club at 31 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown, MD. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Due to language and mature themes, Proof is recommended for mature audiences only. For more information about Proof or to make advanced ticket reservations, please visit www.potomacplaymakers.org.

Photo Credit: Potomac Playmakers

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