From Court Theatre to Convocation: Celebrating David Auburn
Today, the University of Chicago celebrates the Class of 2026, and among the distinguished voices addressing graduates is Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright David Auburn, a proud UChicago alum whose work continues to resonate far beyond Hyde Park.
To mark the occasion, we’re revisiting some of Auburn’s work at Court, starting with our 2013 production of Proof, his acclaimed drama exploring genius, family, memory, and the fragile line between brilliance and instability. Set in Hyde Park and deeply connected to the intellectual spirit of the University of Chicago, Proof remains one of Auburn’s most celebrated works, earning both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.
Auburn also adapted The Adventures of Augie March in 2019, a world premiere of Saul Bellow’s epic coming-of-age story, and directed Eugene O’Neill’s classic, Long Day’s Journey Into Night in 2016. As graduates prepare to take their own next steps, Auburn’s journey serves as a reminder of the creative voices shaped within the University of Chicago community and the impact those voices can have on the world.
We invite you to celebrate a remarkable artist whose work continues to inspire audiences on stage and beyond, and join us in honoring David Auburn on this exciting day for the University of Chicago community. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!