Mathematics in the Stage Play "Proof"

"I think there is some connection between extremely prodigious mathematical ability and craziness. I don't think that math drives people crazy, but those with edgy or slightly irrational personalities are drawn to it." (math.cofc.edu) These words were spoken by the playwright of "Proof", David Auburn, and basically deal with one of the main themes in the play. The main characters in the play are mathematicians and deal with issues of personal relationships, authorship, and even mental sanity. The themes of the play are accentuated by the presence of mathematics in that everything can be mathematically characterized and interpreted in various ways. The play was made into a critically acclaimed film in 2005 with the same title. Gwyneth Paltrow took the title role of Catherine with Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis, and Jake Gyllenhaal co-starring. Paltrow played the same role in the play in London with British director John Madden, who also directed the film and David Auburn adapting his own screenplay. Auburn was born in the setting of the play, Chicago, Illinois, and attended the University of Chicago where he eventually received a degree in English literature. His play won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for drama as well as a 2001 Tony Award.