Amarillo College Theatre presents Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Proof

The Amarillo College Theatre Arts Program in December will proudly present Proof, an award-winning drama that explores how the fine line between genius and mental illness affects family dynamics.

The play, which has been described as a mystery, a love story and a psychological thriller all in one, features a cast of four and takes place on the back porch of a house in Chicago’s Hyde Park.

Proof won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.

“This is a well-constructed play,” Ray Newburg, assistant professor of theatre arts and the show’s director, said. “Our students seem up to the challenge for it, and we wanted to seize on that. It’s poignant and topical.”

Four performances of Proof will be presented in AC’s Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street Campus, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-7, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. And because the theatre is “experimental” in nature, the set has been fashioned in such a way that the back porch focal point extends into the surrounding audience.

“It’s been several years since we’ve used what we call the ‘thrust configuration’ to extend the focal point, in this case the back porch, into the audience area,” Newburg said. “We’re excited to have the audience be in and around the action, pretty much right on top of it.”

“This particular play is a great challenge for the actors and designers, alike, and we’re excited to immerse them in such a tremendous learning experience.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students (college or high school) and AC employees. They can be purchased online or at the door. Additionally, groups of 10 or more are entitled to $6 seats if purchased at least 24 hours in advance.