Congratulations to playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins who won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for “Purpose,” his play that was commissioned, developed and premiered here in Chicago at Steppenwolf Theater before heading to Broadway.
It’s a fictional family drama loosely based on Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. that explores legacy, family, and the burdens of public life, along with the generational conflicts within the civil rights movement. “Purpose” was directed by 2-time Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad in its world premiere staging here in Chicago and on Broadway.
40-year-old Jacobs-Jenkins is originally from Washington, D.C. and said he accepted the commission to create the play because he was excited by the idea of writing for Steppenwolf’s ensemble, particularly because of its young actors and its track record of supporting American writing, as well as the opportunity to explore a different context and approach to the same family drama theme.
“Purpose” became one of the highest-grossing shows in the company’s history when it premiered last spring, featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, and Jon Michael Hill, along with LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix and Tony Award-winner Kara Young.
The play has also been nominated for 6 Tony Awards, which will air live on CBS June 8th at 7pm, from Radio City Music Hall.
& Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo