ABOUT THIS SHOW
For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith and the legacies of Black radicalism. Spirited, hilarious and filled with intrigue, Purpose is an epic family drama–a long-awaited world premiere from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.
Now extended through May 12!
Purpose will be performed in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater.
Running Time
Steppenwolf does not typically offer advisories about subject matter; however, we acknowledge that sensitivities vary from person to person, so If you would like to read the content advisory for Purpose, click the "Details" arrow below.
Digital Program
The Artists
- Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
- Director Phylicia Rashad
- Scenic Design Todd Rosenthal
- Costume Design Dede M Ayite
- Lighting Design Amith Chandrashaker
- Sound Design Rob Milburn
- Sound Design Michael Bodeen
- Associate Director Tyrone Phillips
- Fight Choreographer Matthew Hawkins
- Vocal Coach Kate DeVore
- Dramaturg Jonathan L. Green
- Creative Producer Patrick Zakem
- Producing Director Tom Pearl
- Casting JC Clementz
- Production Stage Manager (thru Apr. 25) Laura D. Glenn
- Stage Manager Jaclynn Joslin
- Assistant Stage Manager (beginning Apr. 16) Michelle Medvin
Featured Ensemble Members
- Morgan Jasper - Alana Arenas
- Solomon “Junior” Jasper Jr.- Glenn Davis
- Nazareth “Naz” Jasper - Jon Michael Hill
The Cast
- Aziza Houston - Ayanna Bria Bakari
- Solomon “Sonny” Jasper - (Mar. 14-Apr. 18, May 7-12) Harry Lennix
- Claudine Jasper - Tamara Tunie
- Solomon “Sonny” Jasper - (Apr. 19-May 5) Cedric Young
- Understudy - Kayla Forde
- Understudy - Jabari J. Khaliq
- Understudy - Shadana Patterson
- Understudy - Joseph Primes
- Understudy - Penelope Walker
- Understudy - Johnard Washington
Watch & Listen
Reviews
"[Purpose is] exactly why people go to see shows at the only American theater globally famous for its intensity."
- Chicago Tribune
"Knee-buckling scenes [with] explosive intensity."
- Chicago Sun-Times
"Steppenwolf at its best: bold, muscular, impossible to ignore and destined to endure."
- Daily Herald
"[A] riveting piece of work, and a memorable addition to Steppenwolf’s storied history of turbulent domesticity."
- Chicago Reader
"Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has set the table for one hell of a family dinner in Purpose."
- Broadway World
"Purpose is a theatrical triumph...exceptional cast, powerful writing [and] masterful direction."
- Rolling Out
"Purpose is fiercely intelligent, highly ambitious and boldly theatrical."
- Chicago Theatre Review
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, April 7 at 3pm
(1:30pm touch tour, 3pm curtain)
Open-Captioned Public Performances:
Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 13 at 3pm
ASL-Interpreted Public Performance:
Friday, April 12 at 7:30pm
Past Community Events
ASSOCIATES THEATER NIGHT
Fri, Mar 15 | 6:00pm
Maker's Studio at Steppenwolf
Join the Steppenwolf Associates (our young professionals group) for a special conversation with Steppenwolf's Casting Director, JC Clementz. JC will be discussing his career and the process of casting a show of this magnitude at Steppenwolf. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres provided by our preferred restaurant partner Vinci, as well as complimentary beer & wine.
Simply purchase tickets to the March 15 performance at 7:30pm, and RSVP for the pre-show event using the button below.
Women Leading with Purpose
Tue, Mar 26 | 6:00pm
Balcony Bar at Steppenwolf
Before the production of Purpose, join us for a free discussion about women building their own legacies during Women's Month. This conversation will feature local Chicago business owners including Renauda Riddle and Angela Barnes of Nobody's Darling.
.
PURPOSE: THE TIES THAT BIND
Wed, Apr 3 | 6:00pm
Balcony Bar at Steppenwolf
The Black Arts and Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA) leads a conversation about legacy with Katanya Raby and Myiti Sengstacke-Rice. These guest speakers, both from prominent Chicago families, will discuss what it means to stand on generational success as they forge new paths. Round out your cultural experience by joining this free community conversation, before seeing Purpose.
SPONSORS
Welcome to our Ensemble
Steppenwolf prides itself on being one of the premiere ensemble theaters in America. Being in an ensemble means being open to perspectives that differ from our own, being willing to allow multiple truths to exist and, perhaps most importantly, being open to change.
By visiting Steppenwolf, you agree to adhere to the theatre’s Patron Code of Conduct and Health and Safety Protocols.