EASTHAMPTON — The newly established Heartbeat Theater is quickly becoming a familial hub for its five founding members, who formed the group following their collaboration on an Easthampton Theater Company production of “On Golden Pond.” Kimberly Gaughan, Shelton Windham, William Spademan, Trish Perlman, and Jason Rose-Langston united with a common goal of bringing theater closer to the community.
The idea for their inaugural show, “Proof,” sparked during their prior collaboration. Gaughan, who has long envisioned staging “Proof,” expressed her desire to perform it with the ensemble. “William, in his infinite wisdom, was like, ‘what if we did it ourselves?’” she recalled. This collaborative spirit has been instrumental in launching the Heartbeat Theater, which, while independent of the Easthampton Theater Company, has benefited immensely from its support and mentorship.
The play “Proof,” written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn, delves into themes of family and discovery. Gaughan plays Catherine, the daughter of a brilliant mathematician whose struggles with mental illness impacted his career. After her father’s passing, Catherine confronts uncertainty about her own path, especially after a significant mathematical discovery surfaces from her father’s notebooks. Gaughan connects deeply with her character, as she navigates her own experiences as a woman in the STEM fields.
William Spademan takes on the role of Robert, Catherine’s father, further emphasizing the familial ties that bind the cast. Meanwhile, Rose-Langston, who also directed “On Golden Pond,” leads “Proof” as its director. He praises the cast’s performance, noting, “Each actor is just bringing levels and levels of depth to their characters that I find really beautiful.”
The production will take place at CitySpace’s Blue Room, an intimate venue seating 85, providing a unique connection between the audience and performers. “Proof” will run on January 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 7:30 p.m., along with matinee performances on January 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $23, available online at heartbeattheater.org or at the door prior to each performance, subject to availability.
Gaughan noted the enthusiasm surrounding the arts in the Pioneer Valley, seeing it as a platform for intimate and simple productions of great plays. As the Heartbeat Theater grows, it aims to continue fostering creativity and community engagement, celebrating the spirit of performance in Easthampton. For more information about upcoming shows, visit heartbeattheater.org.