The world of theater is about to be captivated by the West Coast premiere of 'Purpose,' a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that delves into the heart of a Black American family's struggles. This production, brought to life by La Jolla Playhouse, promises an intimate and thought-provoking journey.
'Purpose' explores a 'crisis of purpose' within the Jasper family, a narrative loosely inspired by the iconic Jesse Jackson family. As the story unfolds, we witness the unexpected and contentious events that unfold during a snowy weekend in their Chicago home.
At the helm of this production is director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, who describes the play as an intimate story set against the broad backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. It's a family drama, a foundation upon which the legacy of a movement is built.
One of the key characters, Naz, played by Matthew Elijah Webb, resonates deeply with the actor's own life experiences. Webb, who identifies as queer, finds parallels between Naz's journey and his own, especially in the conversations about masculinity and creativity within a faith-based household.
"The support that Naz has from Junior, his older brother, is the same support I have from my older brother," Webb shares, adding, "There is liberation in existing in one's true self."
Naz, the narrator of the play, breaks the fourth wall, inviting the audience to embark on a journey of understanding alongside him.
Director Turner Sonnenberg also finds personal connections to the play, recalling her childhood in Atlanta and the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on her life. She describes 'Purpose' as outrageously funny and deeply moving, with exquisite writing that captures a world of beauty and pain.
The cast, including Cornell Womack, Stephanie Berry, Sean Boyce Johnson, Crystal Dickinson, and Andréa Agosto, brings this story to life, exploring the 'crisis of purpose' that affects each character in unique ways.
As we anticipate the premiere, we're reminded of the power of theater to reflect and challenge our understanding of purpose, identity, and legacy. 'Purpose' promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience, leaving audiences with much to ponder long after the final curtain falls.
