SCR does the math on prize-winning ‘proof’
Tom Titus
Back when South Coast Repertory was in its infancy, Richard Doyle
was among the young, dynamic company of actors that exuded artistic
energy by the bushel.
Today, nearly 40 years later, Doyle remains one of the linchpins
of SCR’s acting troupe, but now he specializes in parts written for
more mature performers, such as the mathematical genius flirting with
senility in David Auburn’s “Proof,” which opens on the Segerstrom
Stage this weekend.
Doyle will be seen as Robert, a brilliant theorist until the age
of 25 who now suffers spells of intermittent derangement, alternating
with moments of stunning lucidity. His condition prompts his daughter
to drop out of college to care for him.
“It’s an interesting matrix to put a story that’s [for me] about
the love of a father for his daughter in juxtaposition with the
artifice of a play that is about a mathematician and his loss of
ability,” Doyle commented. “He is coping with the loss at an early
age of original, creative thought as he tries to still inspire his
daughter to her own level of creativity.”
“Proof” earned playwright Auburn the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony
Award in its original Broadway production. The SCR rendition is being
directed by Michael Bloom with Emily Bergl, Christina Haag and James
Waterston joining Doyle in the cast.
Doyle had little trouble relating his character’s situation to his
own, even though the actor’s artistic vitality remains as vibrant as
ever.
“There are resonances with their relationship and mine with my
daughter, Sarah, who is interested in the arts,” he observed.
“I remember recently telling someone how I wanted to stay active
and dynamic so I could help her,” he noted. “I think that’s some of
Robert’s sincere wishes. It’s selfless, but he wants to work with her
gifts and, at the same time, he wants to be charged with that
original excitement he used to feel and that his younger students
feel now.”
In “Proof,” the conflict arises between the caring daughter
(Bergl) and her older sister (Haag). Waterston portrays a former
student who visits the family home and uncovers a breakthrough
mathematical proof among Robert’s papers.
“The literature of the piece makes it very interesting, and
director Michael Bloom has made the process fun,” Doyle declared.
“And with Emily Bergl and Christina Haag as my daughters -- both of
whom I’ve worked with before -- we fit together as a family really
well. And James Waterston is a great addition to the group.”
Bergl will be remembered by SCR patrons as the captive bride in
Moliere’s “The School for Wives,” while Haag was featured in “Amy’s
View.” Waterston is making his debut with the Costa Mesa company, and
director Bloom staged SCR’s productions of “Sight Unseen” and “Let’s
Play Two.”
As for Doyle, his resume at SCR from 1965 on would fill several
columns. Among the highlights: “Volpone,” “Candida,” “The Tavern,”
“Mixed Singles,” “BAFO” and a brilliant turn in “Playland.” Movie
fans watched him talk Harrison Ford to safety in “Air Force One.”
* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His
reviews appear Thursdays and Saturdays.
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