Proof

Mathematicians, physicists, and philosophers take pride in proofs that are elegant and economical. Based on a number of recent examples, including A Beautiful Mind and Copenhagen, one might assume that this longing for tidiness by theoreticians is compensation for the messy uncertainty of their everyday lives. And indeed, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning Proof, now in production by the Curious Theatre Company, supports this view.

Rebecca Buric Luna as Catherine and Paul Borillo as Robert Photo: Todd Webster

Perhaps it can be no other way in disciplines where the effort in scaling the Elysian heights of pure thought is so consuming that the best work and greatest breakthroughs are often achieved by the age of twenty-something, after which genius then serves its achievement through teaching. Robert is such a case: As a young man he revolutionized three different areas of mathematical theory; now, in middle age, he is a widower struggling for his sanity. Catherine, one of Robert's daughters, has abandoned her graduate studies in mathematics to stay home and take care of him.

Playwright David Auburn's non-sequential storytelling allows us to see the richness of their relationship before Robert's demise, and how this bond affects Catherine's life after Robert is gone. Indeed, the proof around which the play is centered refers to both a mathematical argument and the truth of Catherine's own capabilities.

Rebecca Buric Luna as Catherine Photo: Todd Webster

On stage the entire evening except for a brief scene, Rebecca Buric Luna's Catherine is a woman for all seasons: the apple of her father's eye, his exhausted caretaker, his respected fellow theoretician, a sister to Claire, a lover to Hal, and finally, her father's legacy. Luna weathers these seasons and climates with complete ease, segueing between petulant youngster, patient nurse, reluctant collaborator and critic, contentious sibling, glowing romantic, and unassuming genius as if her full spectrum of emotional atmospherics were second nature.

Paul Borillo as Robert and Rebecca Buric Luna as Catherine Photo: Todd Webster

Paul Borillo, as Robert, is both Catherine's inspiration and challenge. When Robert is well, Borillo exudes passion; he is vibrant and encouraging. When Robert's demons hold sway, Borillo erodes his characterization in front of us; he is wistful, troubled, and agitated. Borillo's wizened, fatherly demeanor foreshadows the underlying caring nature and forgiveness of both his daughters.

Rebecca Buric Luna as Catherine and Brett Aune as Hal Photo: Todd Webster

One of Robert's graduate students, Hal, plays a key role in Catherine's emotional and intellectual life. At first geeky and bashful, Brett Aune thoughtfully shapes Hal's growing empowerment as he finishes his dissertation, examines Robert's papers, comes on to Catherine, and evaluates her proof. After Catherine feels betrayed by Hal and has literally purged herself of him, Aune's earnestness and contriteness convincingly win her and the audience back.

Rebecca Buric Luna as Catherine and C. Kelly Leo as Claire Photo: Todd Webster

It would be easy to see Catherine's sister Claire as the villain in this story: she lives in another city, has not spent much time with her father, plans to sell the house after Robert's passing, and wants Catherine to come to back to New York with her and get psychiatric help. But C. Kelly Leo makes us see Claire's other side—the young woman who has paid the mortgage and supported her sister and father during the illness. Despite Claire's controlling nature, Leo shows us that Claire's heart is in the right place, even if her choices may not be in Catherine's best interests.

Director Christy-Montour Larson has taken Producing Artistic Director Chip Walton's phenomenal casting and, in the intimacy of the Acoma Center, brought Proof's flawless script to life, exhibiting the truth of the story in a way that the New York road production of the play a couple of years back could not. The Curious Theatre Company's production of Proof runs through July 19th. 303-623-0524.

Bob Bows