Broken Fourth to Present PROOF at Stackhouse Theater, 8/9-11

On August 9 through 11, local theatre company Broken Fourth will present David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Proof, in the Stackhouse Theater in Elrod Commons at Washington and Lee University.

Broken Fourth (a reference to breaking the "fourth wall" between the action onstage and the audience) was created as a branch off Exit, Pursued Theatre Company to create theatre that challenges and inspires audiences through experimentation in theatre focusing on story, movement and music.

Proof tells the story of Catherine, daughter of recently-deceased math professor Robert, a renowned genius who had struggled for years with mental illness. Upon his death, Catherine, who gave up her education and career to care for her father, faces doubts about her own abilities and future. Enter Robert's former student and later colleague, Hal, who is looking for potential evidence that Robert had produced other significant work beyond what he had produced as a young math "wiz." Catherine faces work, sanity and relationships with her older sister Claire and Hal, as they all navigate the period around Robert's funeral.

Amy Oblinger, who served as assistant director of Virginia Military Institute's theatre program in 2012 through 2013, plays Catherine. Broken Fourth founder and artistic director Richard Templeman plays Hal. Amy's younger sister Emily, ironically, plays Catherine's older sister Claire, and Kim Renz, former executive director of Theater at Lime Kiln, plays Robert.

The title, Proof, refers to a notebook of evidence supporting a new mathematic theory, as well as the attempt to prove who authored the document. Proof won the Tony Award for Best Play of 2001, with Mary Louise Parker also winning the Best Actress Award. Playwright David Auburn was also awarded the Drama Desk Award for Best New Play, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play and the New York Drama Critics' Circle for Best Play.

Amy Oblinger, who put together the cast, said, "I was first introduced to Proof in college and fell in love with it instantly because of the way it intricately weaves together ideas of family relationships, genius, romance, loss and mental illness. The characters, above all, struck with me and have haunted me. I want to share this play with Lexington and the surrounding area because I think David Auburn's portrayal of humanity in all its painful, awkward, confused messiness is magnificent and touching."

Stackhouse Theatre, Elrod Commons, Washington and Lee University
Friday, August 9, 7:30pm
Saturday, August 10, 7:30pm
Sunday, August 11, 2:00pm

Tickets at the Door
Adults $10
Seniors $5
Students $5

Pictured: Richard Templeman as Hal, Emily Oblinger as Claire and Amy Oblinger as Catherine.

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