World Premiere
Purpose
Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Directed by Phylicia Rashad
Main Series
ABOUT THE 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.
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