The Davis & Elkins Stage and Screen Program will present its first livestream theatrical event with the fall production “Proof” by David Auburn. Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Bridget Rue Esterhuizen, performances will take place at 8 p.m. November 6 and 7.

Tickets are free and can be accessed by visiting showtix4u.com/events/dewv or calling the box office at 304-637-1255. Donations are welcome.

“We are excited to bring a theatre performance to you in your homes for the first time ever,” said Esterhuizen. “Our actors and production team have worked diligently through Zoom rehearsals and meetings to figure out a way to bring you live theatre even during this time of social distancing.”

Instructor of Theatre & Film Lonnie Martin adds, “Necessity is the mother of invention. The need for a safe and socially distanced creative environment has created an opportunity to give our students some real hands-on experience in live multi-camera production for broadcast. It’s an exciting step forward for our program, and we’re all excited to explore these new possibilities.”

Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play, “Proof” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

The play takes place on the eve of the 25th birthday of the main character, Catherine. Played by D&E senior theatre major Hope Roy, Catherine is a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her father, a brilliant, but unstable famous mathematician. The role is filled by guest artist Jason Young, artistic director of The Vintage Theatre Company.

Following her father’s death, Catherine must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire (played by D&E junior psychology major Alexxis Tswago); and the attentions of Hal (played by D&E freshman theatre major Kyia McGill), a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness – or genius – will she inherit?