“Proof” is a story of family, grief and problem-solving. For the 25th anniversary, MadKing Productions is bringing this story back to life for three weeks on its new fellowship stage.
Written by David Auburn, this play is a Pulitzer Prize-winning story that honors the messiness of familial relationships. Catherine, the female lead, is the focus of the story as she navigates her grief after her father tragically passes on. She is met with memories and experiences as she continues to see similarities between her and her father. The show explores topics of feminism and mental health, destigmatizing current beliefs surrounding these issues.
Returning to Theater
“I really saw myself as Catherine. She and I are very similar in a lot of ways and very different in a lot of ways too,” Annabelle Durham said. She and her father, Mike Durham, invite their lived experiences as a father and daughter to bring these characters to life.
Mike has spent 35 years away from the stage, and is ecstatic to be back and telling an important, timely story. He explained that approaching his character while in his 50s has given him a new perspective of recognizing difficulties and growth in day-to-day life.
“Just the value of recognizing what you’ve got in the moment, even in the difficult moments of the relationship, even in the challenges, there were things that drew the characters together and bind them,” he said.
Both Annabelle and Mike explained the raw, humanness of the story and the angle “Proof” takes in telling that story. While the show has a heavy plot, there is relatability and play involved that makes it so real for audience members.
“It’s a unique angle for the public to access a different and interesting story, but still deal with topics that are relevant to them and that resonate with what people are experiencing in their lives,” Mike said.
Reality Influences the Stage
Throughout the process, they described several parallels they’ve seen in their lives that have helped them succeed in the telling of the characters’ stories. They have an established relationship, so upon the first rehearsal, they explained that they had started poking fun at each other and passing sarcastic comments.
Annabelle added that the level of comfort allowed for growth not only in her performance but the way she viewed her character.
“It’s such a beautiful story about these humans that are just trying to connect and often failing at connecting but they are still trying to figure each other out,” she said. “You get to see the good and the bad and the ugly, but you still root for them. I think there’s a lot of power in that.”
The two explained that the show was selected because so many can attach their personal experiences in aging and mental health as they watch the show. Putting that spotlight on these topics opens up a conversation to improve the stigma surrounding them. It’s timely as well, given the social and political climate this country is in. But, “Proof” is about problem-solving and finding the joy, even in the hardest times.
“Humanity is beautiful, despite its messiness,” Mike said.
The show is double-cast, and it’s encouraged to see both performances, as each cast has unique aspects. “Proof” opened Feb. 28 and runs until March 16. Tickets can be found here.
