Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose makes its world premiere at Steppenwolf Theare Company beginning March 14. Two-time Tony winner Phylicia Rashad is directing the play about family, faith, and Black American politics, which will continue at the Chicago venue through April 28.

The family drama centers on the Jaspers, who come from a long line of leaders in Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen. But 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.

The cast includes Ayanna Bria Bakari as Aziza Houston, Harry Lennix as Solomon “Sonny” Jasper, and Tamara Tunie as Claudine Jasper. Cedric Young will step into the role of Solomon “Sonny” Jasper April 18-28. They are joined by Alana Arenas as Morgan Jasper, Glenn Davis as Solomon “Junior” Jasper Jr., and Jon Michael Hill as Nazareth “Naz” Jasper. Kayla Forde, Jabari J. Khaliq, Shadana Patterson, Penelope Walker, and Johnard Washington serve as understudies.

The production features scenic design by Todd Rosenthal, costume design by Dede M Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen, associate direction by Tyrone Phillips, fight choreography by Matthew Hawkins, vocal coaching by Kate DeVore, dramaturgy by Jonathan L. Green, creative production by Patrick Zakem, producing direction by Tom Pearl, casting by JC Clementz, production stage management by Laura D. Glenn, and assistant stage management by Jaclynn Joslin.

A number of accessible performances will be offered, including an audio-described performance with a touch tour on April 7, open-captioned performances on April 4 and 13, and an ASL-interpreted performance on April 12. 

For tickets and more information, visit here.