BRIGHTON, MI–The Wilde Theatre here is presenting David Auburn’s Proof September 15 through September 24.

Directed by Richard Spangler, Proof focuses on Catherine, the daughter of Robert, a recently deceased mathematical genius in his fifties and esteemed professor and her struggle with mathematical genius and mental illness.

Catherine had cared for her father through a lengthy mental illness. Upon Robert’s death, his ex-graduate student Hal discovers a paradigm-shifting proof about prime numbers in Robert’s office. The title refers both to that proof and to the play’s central question: Can Catherine prove the proof’s authorship? Along with demonstrating the proof’s authenticity, Catherine also finds herself in a relationship with Hal.

Throughout, the play explores Catherine’s fear of following in her father’s footsteps, both mathematically and mentally and her desperate attempts to stay in control.

Proof received extensive critical acclaim, winning a Drama Desk Award for Best New Play in 2000 and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony Award for Best Play, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play, and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play in 2001.

The production stars Celah Convis, Joe Gaskill, Bruce Michel & Inchai Reed.

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

All seats are reserved at https://www.awildetheatre.com.

Tickets are $35 (plus $2 convenience fee). 

Doors open 30 min. prior to the performance. Any unsold tickets will be available at the door.