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. Rowdy, 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.
Purpose will be performed in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater.
Join Us
Steppenwolf members bask in the glow of our marquee, in each other’s company, and in the radiance of the stories and storytellers on our stages.
The Artists
- Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
- Director Phylicia Rashad
Featured Ensemble Members
SPONSORS
Purpose was created with funds from the Prince Prize for Comissioning Original Work, which was awarded to Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2015.
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.
Additional Information
Open-Captioned:
Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 13 at 3pm
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, April 7 at 3pm
(1:30pm touch tour, 3pm curtain)
ASL-Interpreted:
Friday, April 12 at 7:30pm
Additional Information
Open-Captioned:
Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 13 at 3pm
Audio-Described and Touch Tour:
Sunday, April 7 at 3pm
(1:30pm touch tour, 3pm curtain)
ASL-Interpreted:
Friday, April 12 at 7:30pm