Broadway is about to be graced with the powerful narrative of Purpose, written by Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, which begins performances at the Helen Hayes Theater on February 25, 2024, and celebrates its official opening night on March 17. Marking his debut on Broadway, director Phylicia Rashad leads the production, which is poised to run through July 6.
The ensemble cast features both seasoned actors and exciting newcomers. Among the familiar faces returning from its world premiere at Chicago's renowned Steppenwolf Theatre are Harry Lennix, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis, and Alana Arenas. Notably, 2024 Tony winner Kara Young joins the cast as Aziza Houston, alongside LaTanya Richardson Jackson, who takes on the role of Claudine Jasper for this Broadway iteration.
Set against the backdrop of civil rights and Black political heritage, Purpose delves deep within the Jasper family, who are described as pillars of Black American politics: civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen. Sparks ignite when the youngest son, Nazareth, unexpectedly returns home with a friend, leading the family to confront their buried secrets and the weight of their legacy.
Rashad, who directed the play's original run at Steppenwolf, has thoughtfully gathered her creative team for this Broadway showcase. Scenic designer Todd Rosenthal, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Amith Chandrashaker, and sound designers Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen have all rejoined the project, ensuring the theatrical vision remains consistent. Hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis, Carter, Tiffany N. Robinson's, as production stage manager add to the polished theatrical experience to expect from the Purpose production.
The story's depth is evident as it captures the multifaceted struggles and bonds within the Jasper family, leaving audiences contemplating their own familial ties. Jacob-Jenkins himself remarked, "Purpose is about how families are often many things at once. Stability, discomfort, love, heartbreak—all the contradictions we embody are at the heart of the play," emphasizing the nuanced portrayal of complex relationships.
Further elaboration on the play's richness can be drawn from the playwright's sentiments, "Our family’s politics persist along their own trajectories, shaped by familial duty and our mores," showcasing how political beliefs intertwine with personal dynamics within the family unit.
With Purpose, Broadway will welcome not just the talent of its cast but also the significant cultural conversations it begins. Rashad's directorial style, coupled with Jacobs-Jenkins' poignant writing, holds the promise of pushing theatrical boundaries and seeking to resonate with the audience on multiple levels.
The collaborative strength of the cast and crew, combined with the narrative's focus on legacy and faith within the African American experience, aims to find relevance beyond the theater, engaging viewers emotionally and intellectually. This will not just be another play but rather, as suggested by the title, seeks to fulfill purpose.
Broadway aficionados and newcomers alike are encouraged to witness this stirring piece of art, which not only narrates but resonates, reflecting the spirit of Black American stories on the stage. Purpose invites all to not only immerse themselves within its poignant storyline but also challenges them to reflect on their own narratives and the collective history represented by the Jasper family.
For those interested, more details can be found at PurposeOnBroadway.com. Whether you are drawn to the compelling storytelling or the dynamic performances, Purpose is set to be one of the most impactful productions of the season.