David Auburn's journey to literary acclaim unfolded in the late 20th century, culminating in a remarkable rise as a playwright. Born to an academic family, Auburn's roots in Columbus, Ohio, and Arkansas provided a foundation for his creative ventures. After honing his skills in Chicago and later in New York, he solidified his reputation with celebrated works that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Early Life and Education

The son of an English professor and an academic administrator, David Auburn grew up traversing the landscapes of Columbus, Ohio, and Little Rock and Jonesboro, Arkansas. His formative years were steeped in an academic environment, which perhaps nudged him towards a creative career. After high school, Auburn set his sights on the University of Chicago, enrolling from 1987 to 1991. It was during these collegiate years that Auburn discovered his penchant for storytelling, joining a student improvisation troupe where he crafted short comedic sketches—an experience that would shape his future writing style. Additionally, his role as a play reviewer for the student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon, offered him a backstage pass to professional theater.

Career Beginnings

After his stint in college, Auburn's talent caught the attention of industry professionals when associates of Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment identified his potential through a writing contest. This led to a screenwriting fellowship, which took Auburn to Los Angeles. Following this enriching experience, Auburn relocated to New York City, immersing himself in the vibrant arts scene by joining another improvisation group, Atomic Pile. Pursuing his craft further, he attended the prestigious Juilliard School from 1994 to 1996, cementing his path in playwriting.

Initial Works and Themes

The 1990s marked a period of experimentation and production for Auburn, who saw his shorter scripts come to life in various locations, including New York City and Aspen, Colorado. His work was featured in the New England Review and published by Dramatists’ Play Service, gaining early recognition. Most of his productions from this era, with the exception of Three Monologues, captivated audiences with their humor and dynamic pacing. Auburn skillfully wove narratives centered around characters whose misguided beliefs or poor timing led to witty confrontations, notably illustrated in plays like Damage Control and Miss You.

Exploring Time and Place

A recurrent theme in Auburn's work is the exploration of time, as demonstrated in plays such as What Do You Believe About the Future? and Skyscraper. The latter, Auburn's first full-length production, unfolds atop a derelict office building in Chicago slated for demolition. The narrative brings together six characters, each with vested interests in either preserving or dismantling the structure, driven by personal, political, historical, or financial motives. Though Skyscraper earned Auburn a measure of recognition, its Off-Broadway stint was brief and received lukewarm reviews. Nonetheless, the play represented a personal triumph for Auburn, setting the stage for his breakthrough with Proof.

Breakthrough with "Proof"

Auburn penned Proof in the autumn of 1998 during a stay in London with his wife, Frances Rosenfeld, who was engaged in doctoral research. The play, which premiered Off-Broadway on May 23, 2000, is set in the Chicago home of Catherine and her recently deceased father, Robert, a lauded University of Chicago mathematics professor who battled mental illness for a decade. The narrative delves into Catherine's complex emotions following her father’s death, including a sense of relief after having sacrificed much of her life to care for him. Hal, a former student of Robert's, and Catherine's sister, Claire, further complicate her journey towards self-discovery and independence, as she grapples with the fear of inheriting her father's mental health issues. Proof was...