Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ ‘Purpose’ Wins Pulitzer Prize For Drama

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Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play Purpose won the Pulitzer Prize for drama Monday. 

The play, titled “Family Politics,” is now playing on Broadway and features an impressive cast including LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Kara Young, Harry Lennix, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis, and Alana Arenas. Phylicia Rashad serves as the director for this production that originally premiered at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in March 2024.

The play “Family Politics” is running on Broadway with LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Kara Young, Harry Lennix, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis, and Alana Arenas as the main actors. Phylicia Rashad directs this production which was first staged at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in March 2024.)

Cole Escola’s play, “Oh, Mary!”, which is currently running on Broadway and stars him, has been shortlisted for the Tony Awards, just like Itamar Moses’ play, “The Ally”, which made its Off-Broadway debut in February 2024. Both plays are up for the best play category at the Tonys.

For the first time, Jacobs-Jenkins has received the Pulitzer Prize, having been recognized as a finalist before for his 2017 production titled Everybody. His collection of works also features Appropriate, which earned the Tony Award in 2024 for the category of best revival of a play and brought Sarah Paulson a Tony win for her performance.

As a member of the Jasper clan, I find myself in the midst of turmoil. My grandfather, Solomon, was a revered figure during the Civil Rights Movement, but he’s since stepped back into the shadows. His eldest son, Solomon Jr., has just emerged from prison after being convicted for embezzling funds as a state senator. To make matters worse, his wife is about to start her own sentence. Our family, which consists of my timid nature-loving brother Nazareth, who serves as our storyteller, and our close friend Aziza, gathers for a birthday celebration honoring our matriarch. However, the festivities quickly take a turn as hidden truths about Solomon’s past surface, causing tension among family members and challenging our bonds.

Purpose opened at the Hayes Theater on March 17 and is currently scheduled to run through July 6. 

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2025-05-05 23:54