Proof - by David Auburn - A Stagetek Production

I am new to posting on this site. I am usually a reader not a poster so, excuse me for my poor posting ability however, I recently saw a production on Sunday 17th May of David Auburn's Tony Award winning play "Proof" and would like to post my thoughts on this production. It was my second visit to a stagetek production and would recommend seeing their shows. It is impossible to view theatre of this level for only $25 but Stagetek seem to pull it off. I thought this play should have a special mention. Stagetek's Proof reviewed by Peter Hammond We are all experiencing the effects of a challenging economic climate, and things that are considered ‘luxuries’ such as theatre bear the brunt of such troubling times. Productions must do something special and go that extra mile to entice audience members to make the effort to come see their show. This is what I have found with Stagetek and Aldo Zumbo’s production of David Auburn’s play “Proof”. I must admit that when I found out that Michael Watkins was the set designer for this production that was enough to reel me in. His talent is something I and many others are in complete awe of. In addition to this, his expertise and perfect craftsmanship is way beyond his years and experience. He certainly did not disappoint this time, and keeps setting the bar higher for others in his league. When we set foot in the small black box, otherwise known as Studio One at the University of New South Wales, we are all transported to another place. Through a faint misty haze against the backdrop of cricket sounds, we see fallen leaves scattered across the back porch of a weathered house. A tree casts a shadow over the wooden floorboards that are enveloped by grass, shrubs, pot plants and even a rusty wheelbarrow – Watkins is a true artist with a delicate eye for details. In light of this, Ric Townend is a perfect partner to Watkins. Through his lighting design, he subtly sets the ambiance of each scene in an adroit manner that compliments the action that takes place on Watkins’ stage. As I cast my gaze over the audience, they seem to be delighted and surprised; this is something that, in my opinion, has never been done before in such a small and constricting space. The play opens with a lone sullen girl sitting at a table, as she flicks through magazines, her sleepy eyes reveal a deep sense of sadness. This is our protagonist, Catherine (Jess Bell) on the eve of her twenty fifth birthday, mourning the death of her father, Robert (played by David Cascarino) who was a mathematical genius during his prime. We are also introduced to Catherine’s love interest Hal (Nick Pes), and her estranged sister, Claire (Tessa Coulter). Zana Cohen did a remarkable job as director exercising her astute talent in casting these four fine actors. They were each completely fitting for their roles and their connection with each other felt real. Like a stunning vintage car, the play took a while to warm up and get started, but once it did it ran beautifully. At times words could be lost or accents slightly fade in moments of heated emotion, but other than that I could not find a fault in the performances that gave life to what I believe is quite a mediocre script. The play delves into themes of love, trust, family, and sense of self. These are premises that we can all easily relate to. Like the love seat featured on stage, “Proof” swings effortlessly and seamlessly from humor to hear-wrenching drama. Along with the rest of the audience, I laughed, felt chills prickle down my spine, and tears well up in my eyes. Although all actors displayed a true talent, I must give special mention to a stand-out performance by Nick Pes. His understanding, portrayal and characterization of Hal were completely captivating. It was truly a joy to watch him on stage. We all know that what occurs onstage cannot be what it is without what occurs backstage and in months before a show comes to fruition. Nicole Hodge has long been a part of the Stagetek family and she is certainly an asset to the company. In this occasion she has risen to the role of production manager. Her aptitude in overseeing every aspect of this production has ensured that this play reached the top in its calibre. Cecilia D’Angelo comes in to play by filling in the gaps as stage manager, costume designer and makeup artist. Although some changes were a little drawn her costumes effortlessly assisted with the transition between time. Zana Cohen and her assistant director Shannon Pope should be proud that Stagetek’s first foray into producing a play was such a success. Cohen is someone with an honest and innate knowledge of the performing arts, her understanding and execution of the elements of theatre is highly impressive. She was the driving and uniting force behind the admirable cast and crew whose hands-on approach to all facets of the production lends to the success of “Proof”. My only qualm is that it should have run longer than a week as I am sure many people missed out. I look forward to seeing what Stagetek has coming up next, these talents must be discovered!