Purpose (play) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Purpose
The official Playbill cover for Purpose.
Written by	Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Date of premiere	2024
Place of premiere	Steppenwolf Theatre Company
Original language	English
Genre	Drama
Setting	Chicago, U.S. Present-day

Purpose is a hit stage play written by the American playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. A playwright is a person who writes plays. The story is a family drama about the Jaspers, a well-known Black family involved in politics.

The play first opened at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. It was so successful that it moved to Broadway in New York City for the 2024–2025 season. Purpose became a huge success, winning the 2025 Tony Award for Best Play and the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, two of the most important awards in theatre.

The Story of the Play

Purpose is about the Jasper family, a powerful and respected African-American family from Chicago. The family members all gather at their home for what is supposed to be a happy occasion. However, things get complicated as secrets and feelings are revealed.

The parents and their two grown sons, along with their partners and friends, are all together. During their reunion, they start to question their relationships with each other. They also think about their place in the world, especially within Black culture and politics. The play explores how families deal with pressure and try to understand their own identities.

Main Characters and Actors

The actors who perform in a play are called the cast. Here are some of the talented actors who have played the main characters in Purpose.

How the Play Was Created

The Steppenwolf Theatre Company asked Branden Jacobs-Jenkins to write the play. It was first developed and practiced in 2019 at a festival in Colorado. After more work, the play had its world premiere in Chicago on March 14, 2024. The famous actress Phylicia Rashad directed the show.

After its successful run in Chicago, the play moved to the Hayes Theater on Broadway. A team of producers, including David Stone and Debra Martin Chase, helped bring the show to New York City for a wider audience to enjoy.

Major Awards and Recognition

Purpose received many awards and nominations for its amazing story and performances. Winning an award means it was chosen as the best in a category, while a nomination means it was one of the top choices.