For decades, the influential Jasper family has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are cracks and secrets just under the surface. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home to Illinois with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith and the legacies of Black radicalism. Rowdy, hilarious and filled with intrigue, Purpose is an epic family drama–a long-awaited world premiere from one of the country’s most celebrated voices.

EPSG:4326

Purpose

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Four (very) well-intentioned theatre people walk into an elementary school. The work at hand: a Thanksgiving pageant that won’t ruffle any feathers. What could possibly go wrong? In MacArthur Genius Larissa FastHorse’s skewering and satirical comedy, well, just about everything. Rambunctious, thorny and not altogether politically correct, The Thanksgiving Play serves up the hypocrisies of woke America on a big, family-style, platter. Come get ya some.

The Thanksgiving Play

Here’s what we know. Obie Award winner Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale, Bright New Boise) is writing. Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Wicked, Airline Highway) is directing. Emmy Award-winning ensemble member Laurie Metcalf (The Conners, Hacks) is starring. They want to do a show together at Steppenwolf. Who are we to get in their way?

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Mar 14 - May 12, 2024

Purpose

Apr 25 - Jun 2, 2024

The Thanksgiving Play

Jun 13 - Jul 18, 2024

Untitled

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

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