Alliance Theatre presents Purpose
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CRITIC'S PICK:
Fri., Aug. 28 - Sun., Sep. 20
'Purpose' by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre - The travails of a prominent Black family in Chicago are dissected in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' 2024 play as the Jaspers gather for a much-delayed reunion. The play was inspired by the campaign fraud conviction of Jesse Jackson's son, Jesse Jackson Jr., and it garnered Pulitzer and Tony awards in 2025. 'Purpose' was described by Chicago Tribune reviewer Chris Jones as "explosive" and "a brilliant moralistic satire." The Alliance production is directed by Keith Arthur Bolden in cooperation with McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton; the cast comprises Jerome Preston Bates, Donna Biscoe, Vienna Black, Thomas Ghant, Victoria Omoregie and Travis Turner. - Kevin C. Madigan
From the venue:
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama follows the Jasper family during a long-delayed reunion. Directed by Keith Arthur Bolden in a co-production with McCarter Theatre Center.Alliance Theatre presents Purpose | 08/30/2026 7:30 PM