Show and Tell Post 2

Most recently, I read Proof by David Auburn. This was written in 2000 and premiered on Broadway the same year. It also won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony for Best Drama. I had to read it for directing class and it was actually my first time reading this play.
This play deals with the delicate balance between brilliance and insanity. I really enjoyed reading this play.
The protagonist is a young woman named Catherine. We learn that her father was a genius mathematician who also suffered from mental illness. This information sets the stage for the play. We immediately begin to search for signs of Catherine following in her father's footsteps.
I loved the motif's of perseverance. Catherine follows in her father's footsteps in order to prove her work, despite her fears of where it will lead her. Catherine continues despite worries from her sister and father's protege. She worries that she will follow in his footsteps; however, she does so unknowingly most of the time. I enjoy the contrast between the intelligent characters and characters of "average" intelligence because there is a constant war between intelligence and common sense. This is part of Robert's downfall. This push and pull between being smart and unstable is what keeps this play moving and interesting.