Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Purpose, now on stage at La Jolla Playhouse through June 7, is an emotionally layered family drama filled with humor, tension, and painful truths.
From the moment the curtain rises, the stunning set design immediately pulls audiences into the world of the influential Jasper family — a prominent Black family celebrated for its deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement and Black American politics. The production’s attention to detail creates an intimate atmosphere that feels both grand and deeply personal.
What makes Purpose especially compelling is the strength of the entire ensemble cast. There are no weak links and no single standout performance because every actor brings depth, authenticity, and emotional weight to the stage. Each character leaves a lasting impression.
As the story unfolds, the cracks beneath the family’s polished public image begin to surface. Both sons wrestle with personal issues that threaten to tarnish the family legacy. Yet the play skillfully reveals that the family patriarch — an iconic civil rights figure who harshly judges his sons — is also carrying secrets of his own.
The brilliance of Purpose lies in its exploration of legacy, hypocrisy, family loyalty, and the impossible expectations often placed upon prominent families. At times funny, uncomfortable, and heartbreaking, the play reminds audiences that even those viewed as heroes are still deeply human.
Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Purpose is a powerful theatrical experience that sparks conversation long after the final bow.
For tickets visit https: La Jolla Playhouse.