Emotions and Equations: Triton College Presents "Proof"

| Actors Elisa Cruz (left) and James Reilly play Catherine and Hal in Triton College's production of David Auburn's "Proof," directed by Nicole Minardi.

RIVER GROVE, Ill. – Triton College invites audiences onto the porch, as they present David Auburn's "Proof," an award-winning play examining math and mental illness; memory and the moments when the world as one knows it changes forever.

Directed by Nicole Minardi, performances take place on November 6, 7, 13, and 14 beginning at 7 p.m. in the George R. Cox Auditorium, J-Building, Room 108 (West Campus). Admission is a suggested donation of $5 or free with a Triton ID.

Tickets are available at the door or may be reserved on Eventbrite or by emailing Lead Instructor of Speech and Theatre Archawee Dhamavasi at archaweedhamavasi@triton.edu.  

"Proof" begins after the death of Catherine's father, Robert, a brilliant mathematician who lived with a mental illness. As she grieves, she comes into conflict with her estranged sister, Claire, and with Hal – a graduate student who discovers a groundbreaking mathematical proof in Robert's study.

The cast and crew include Triton students, Triton alumni, and community members, and the black box theater has been transformed into a modern-day Chicago porch.

"They will step off the porch, but soon return to it," said Stage Manager Hazel Velez. It's an anchor; somewhere "rough around the edges, but comfy," Velez added. "It's going to look a little shabby, but well lived in."

It's an ideal setting for a play that centers on the liminal spaces of life – between wellness and illness; life and death; proof and doubt.

Some themes, like isolation, take on new meanings in a post-pandemic world. Others are timeless. Ultimately, Triton's production invites audiences to discover what has changed and what remains constant 25 years after "Proof" won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize.

One such theme is relationships. Jessica Moen and Isabel Wasilewski, who each play Claire in "Proof," said the sisters' differences are stark, even when they're sometimes humorous.

"Claire is the type that will give her whole self to somebody, even if that person doesn't want it, so it becomes overwhelming for that person," said Moen.

"I don't think you need to have siblings to enjoy the play, but it really does emphasize it, especially if you have a younger sibling or an older sibling," added Wasileski. "You sort of see them in those characters."

Another timeless theme is grief. "She's not only grieving her father, but she's grieving the things she lost in life," said Elisa Cruz of her character, Catherine. "She doesn't even know what to do anymore because her sole purpose was taking care of her sick father, and now he's gone."

Woven throughout is the universal language of math. There are references to Germain Primes and to Sophie, the woman behind them. There are jokes about invisible numbers. Then there's the question of who is the real author of the newly discovered proof.

"Only someone who really loves math could have written this play," said Wasilewski. But, added James Reilly, who plays Hal, math is more of a motif. "The openness at the end of the play invites you to explore a little bit, kind of like a mathematical proof," he said.

Much like a complex equation, the characters' actions invite different interpretations, leaving audiences to debate their choices and true motives.

"There will be some twists. There will be some emotional charge and depth," said Reilly. "If you're bored of whatever show you're watching on TikTok or Netflix, come spend some time in the theater, because we will give you a truly magical night."

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.