Purpose is a stage play written by American playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The play is a family drama detailing the life of the fictional Jasper family. [1]
| Purpose | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Branden Jacobs-Jenkins |
| Date premiered | 2024 |
| Place premiered | Steppenwolf Theatre Company |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Setting | Chicago, U.S. Present-day |
Synopsis
editThe fictional Jasper family, a prominent African-American family living in Chicago, reunite under the same roof under auspicious circumstances. Revelations are discovered as they attempt to define their value to each other and their identity within black culture and politics.[2]
Production history
editThe play was commissioned by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and was workshopped in 2019 at the Colorado New Play Festival. After additional readings and workshops, the play premiered as part of Steppenwolf's 2023-2024 season March 14-April 28, directed by Phylicia Rashad. It was later announced the production would transfer to Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theatre as part the 2024-2025 Broadway season. While the production is not part of Second Stage Theatre Company's season, it is included in their subscription plan for members. [3][4][5][6]
References
edit- ^ Steppenwolf.org Purposeaccessed 08/16/2024
- ^ Chicago Sun-Times Purpose Reviewaccessed 08/16/2024
- ^ Playbill.com Purpose will play Broadwayaccessed 08/16/2024
- ^ Second Stage Season 46accessed 08/16/2024
- ^ AmericanTheatre.Org Colorado Seeing New Playsaccessed 08/16/2024
- ^ Chicago Tribune Purpose Reviewaccessed 08/16/2024