Theatre Fairfield, Fairfield University’s resident production company, kicks off the New Year with four performances of David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning drama, Proof. The entirely student-run production will be presented on campus in the theatre department’s temporary new home in the Faber Hall Dining Commons on Friday, Jan. 25 and Saturday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m., with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27. 

Tickets are $18 general admission, $5 for students, and $10 for senior citizens, and can be purchased at the Quick Center Box Office, by phone at 1-877-ARTS-396, or online at quickcenter.com. The production is made possible by the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation, a local non-profit organization that “provides educational and career development opportunities in the arts.” All ticket proceeds will be donated to charity.

Proof tells the story of Catherine, a 25-year-old college dropout with a brilliant mind for mathematics, whose famous mathematician father passes away after struggling with the effects of a debilitating mental illness. The day after his funeral, a groundbreaking mathematical proof is discovered among her father’s notebooks, and when Catherine claims that it is hers, she is instantly faced with doubt and resistance. Navigating a budding romance, her relationship with her estranged sister, and the grief of her father’s passing, Catherine is forced to face her fears for her own sanity while struggling to break free from her father’s shadow.

“Proof will raise very relevant questions for our audiences by dealing with such important topics as women in STEM, mental health, and the concept of grief,” said theatre major and Proof producer and director Shannon Kelley ‘19. “It’s a beautifully-written piece that explores the deep complexities of love and loss, as well as the idea that pursuing one’s passion is often one of the most courageous undertakings a person can take on.”

Proof is being presented as part of Theater Fairfield’s annual Independent Play Project and features an entirely student-run production team. The cast stars Maddie Craig ‘19, Emily Ramsey ‘20, Park Lytle ‘21, and Carlin Fournier ’22, and the artistic team includes co-producer/scenic designer Maddie Craig ‘19, costume designer Bridgit Murray ‘19, and lighting designer/technical director Sam Millette ‘20.

“The Independent Play Project is one of the most exciting parts of our season because students get the opportunity to propose a production of their choosing and produce the entire project within a two-week period over winter break.” Kelley explained. “We are all so grateful to the Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation for their generous support throughout this process.”

For more information, visit theatrefairfield.org.