If you’re looking for a reason to check out a studio theater show this semester, this is all the proof you need.

While Mainstage shows boast more resources, studio theater shows bring the audience much closer to the drama.

In the theatre department’s studio production of David Auburn’s “Proof,” the stage is dimly lit, reserving most illumination for the characters. The opening dialogue between two characters, Catherine and her father, Robert, starts out civil, but things get heated when discussing Catherine’s state of living. Robert is a mathematical genius who had a prolific career at the University of Chicago. Catherine has inherited not only some of her father’s genius, but also possibly some of his insanity, which ended his career and left her to care for him. However, when a revolutionary mathematical proof appears with no clear authorship, tensions only rise further as the final question presents itself: Who wrote the proof?

The tragedy of a once happy family torn asunder isn’t uplifting, but it does shed some light on the characters in the play. We watch the shortcomings and bitterness of each character, and the characters see the shortcomings in one another as well. As the play progresses, we come to understand that each character wants to see the actions of the others as destructive and insensitive, but each one is forced to admit that the other had only good intentions.

Gabriela Mrvova, director and a graduate student studying theatre, identifies with the trials that the characters go through on stage.

“All humans have to cope with similar problems throughout their lives regardless of their nationality, age, class, culture or worldview. The problem of aging and sick parents is one of them. The difficult and complex question is how to pay back and provide them the care they need,” Mrvova said.

Mrvova offered praise for the indefatigable tech crew, who spent hours together every day, constantly racing to perfect the lights and sounds.

“Right from the start it was obvious that the group was very tight, and they took the work very seriously,” Mrvova said.

“Proof” is by no means a cheap, feel-good romp — by any stretch of the imagination (although $3 at the door is very reasonable). But when a gripping subject matter is combined with dedicated actors and actresses and an intimate set, the result is a worthwhile production if you’re in the mood to ponder some of life’s toughest equations.

“Proof” premieres at 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Studio A in the Fine Arts Building.