Corrine Yap

Uniform Convergence

Uniform Convergence is a one-woman play, written and performed by mathematician Corrine Yap. It juxtaposes the stories of two women trying to find their place in a white male-dominated academic world. The first is of historical Russian mathematician Sofia Kovalevskaya, who was lauded as a pioneer for women in science but only after years of struggle for recognition.  Her life’s journey is told through music and movement, in both Russian and English. The second is of a fictional Asian-American woman, known only as “Professor”, trying to cope with the prejudice she faces in the present. As she teaches an introductory real analysis class, she uses mathematical concepts to draw parallels to the race and gender conflicts she encounters in society today.

Never would I have been able to conceive that math could be made so beautiful and poetic.

— theater student at Sarah Lawrence College

I found it to be a phenomenally affecting piece of work, powerfully performed.

— Vin de Silva, professor of mathematics at Pomona College

Yap’s play definitely embodies the Power of Women.

— Athulya Nath, student at Westover School

It should be required viewing for all math undergrads.

— Pat Devlin, professor of mathematics at Swarthmore College

Media + Reviews

• MAA Focus feature (October 2023)
• MAA Math Horizons interview (August 2019)
• AWM newsletter pg. 17-19 (November 2018)
• AMS inclusion/exclusion blog post (October 9, 2018)
• Westover School review (April 5, 2018)

See the bottom of this page for past production photos. If you would like to leave a review or view a recording of the current play, please send me an email.

Booking

Schedule a performance at your institution! Some logistical information you may want to know:

• Runtime is approximately 50 minutes.
• Past performances have taken place in both black box theaters and lecture halls. Typical performances take place in the math department’s “colloquium room.” An ideal space has both sliding blackboards and AV access, but neither is necessary.
• Fees consist of travel and accommodations if necessary. The choice of giving an additional honorarium is up to you and your sponsoring organization. Examples of sponsoring organizations are given below.

For more details, send me an email.

Previous Performances

 Production Photos

And to see what the performance/script looked like in its earliest form, here are some photos and video of the world premiere at Sarah Lawrence College, April 2016.

Other Performances

I also used to act in plays written by other people. Here is some evidence.