Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Returns to Broadway with New Play

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the acclaimed playwright who won a Tony Award for his work on "Appropriate," is set to return to Broadway with his latest play, "Purpose." Directed by Phylicia Rashad, known for her role in "The Cosby Show" and her two Tony Awards as an actor, "Purpose" explores the complexities of a Black Midwestern family confronting its legacy. The play, which previously enjoyed a successful run at Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago, will begin previews on February 25 and officially open in mid-March at the Helen Hayes Theater. The narrative centers around a family gathering at the home of its patriarch, a civil rights activist and preacher who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The occasion marks the return of the eldest son, a politician recently released from prison, as his wife prepares to serve her own sentence. This poignant storyline promises to delve into themes of family, legacy, and the struggles faced by the Black community. In addition to "Purpose," Jacobs-Jenkins is also working on a musical adaptation of Prince's iconic "Purple Rain," which is slated for an initial production in Minneapolis next spring. Furthermore, he has an upcoming Off-Broadway show titled "Give Me Carmelita Tropicana!" set to debut this fall. Jacobs-Jenkins reflects on the current theatrical landscape, noting a sense of renewal and unexpected developments in the post-recovery period of the arts. As audiences anticipate the arrival of "Purpose," questions arise about the connections between Jacobs-Jenkins' previous work, "Appropriate," and his new play, hinting at a deeper exploration of familial and societal issues.