Proof | Ad Astra
Ad Astra’s production of ‘Proof’ by David Auburn, directed by Caitlin Hill, centres around 25 year old Catherine (played by Janaki Gerard, understudied by Malika Savory) as she grieves her famous mathematician father, reconnects with her estranged sister Claire (played by Aimee Duroux), ignites a new romance and battles with her mental health and professional success.
All images: Justin Harrison
The actors and director really brought out the lightness and humour of the piece. Even though the play deals with heavy topics there was many moments of laughter, awkwardness, and ease. It explores living with mental ill health and the strains it places on family, the ever-present issue of society believing women and the lack of women in STEM-qualified workplaces. A subtle detail in the writing that alludes this is anytime other mathematicians are referred to mainly by the characters of Hal (played by Pierce Gordan) and Robert (played by Doll Hunt) they are referred to as ‘the guys’.
Janaki has created an honest, grounded, fully embodied, and well-rounded portrayal of Catherine. They don’t shy away from leaning into the unlikeable or abrasive qualities of the character which formed this beautifully flawed human on stage in front of me. There was so much about Catherine that I loved but also, I could feel the other characters frustrations. I was connected to the characters journey from the start. Janaki brought a consistent subtle internal life to Catherine. There was always something running through the characters head. Towards the start of the play there were some moments where I felt Janaki didn’t follow through on a physical impulse. Particularly in the scene where Catherine wants to look in Hal’s bag. They have created such a fierce and bold Catherine that I don’t believe she wouldn’t just go and try to take the bag from the start.
All images: Justin Harrison
There were many beautiful moments of connection in the play, but I do want to highlight one. Claire and Catherine are talking about a dress, something seemingly so small but there is a pause where I could feel the entire weight of their relationship and their grief for their father. In such a small moment you could see these two sisters really connect and be completely open and vulnerable with each other without having to say a word. Janaki and Aimee really owned the sister relationship, where you can go from joking, to arguing, to talking about hair care in seconds.
Aimee made interesting choices as Claire that I really enjoyed. Claire was this woman who has everything together, good job, good partner, and a great life. Aimee was able to play that side of Claire while also having grief and the deep need to care for her sister constantly simmering underneath. It allowed these little moments of raw emotion to drop out effortlessly and I always understood where Claire’s motivations were coming from.
The team have created such a high energy, dynamic piece. The characters are all distinct and they intertwine and connect seamlessly. Even though the play is about mathematicians and mathematical proofs you don’t need to understand one thing about math to be fully invested in this piece.
‘Proof’ by Ad Astra, plays at the Ad Astra space in Newstead until 8 July 2023.
