In a new revival of David Auburn’s acclaimed 2001 drama “Proof,” Ayo Edebiri delivers a compelling performance as Catherine, a brilliant but troubled mathematician grappling with genius and mental health. Sharing the stage with Don Cheadle, who portrays her father, Robert, Edebiri brings fresh nuance to a role that explores the fraught legacy of familial genius and the burden of inheritance. The production, staged in a downtown Manhattan theater, draws renewed attention to a play that once captivated audiences but now reveals cracks beneath its celebrated surface.

Edebiri’s Catherine is a portrait of vulnerability and brilliance, navigating the aftermath of her father’s death while wrestling with her own doubts and fears. Her chemistry with Cheadle’s Robert anchors the play’s emotional core, offering moments of tenderness and tension that feel authentic and immediate. The revival’s casting choices underscore New York City’s standing as a hub for reinvigorating classic works through diverse perspectives and dynamic talent.

Despite the strong performances, the revival lays bare some of the play’s structural weaknesses. Critics have noted that “Proof” leans heavily on familiar tropes about genius and madness, occasionally sacrificing depth for dramatic effect. The script’s once groundbreaking exploration of mathematical proof and mental illness now feels somewhat dated, lacking the rigor and subtlety audiences might expect from a narrative centered on intellectual pursuit.

Nevertheless, this iteration of “Proof” offers New York theatergoers a chance to revisit a seminal work through a contemporary lens. Edebiri’s portrayal invites empathy and reflection, reminding us that beneath the abstraction of numbers lies a profoundly human story. As the city’s theater scene continues to evolve, revivals like this highlight both the enduring appeal and the challenges of sustaining classic dramas in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.