Purpose

What is this?

Meet the Jaspers: generations of a powerful Black political family under one roof where nothing stays buried for long. When their youngest son returns home, instincts kick in to protect their public image of leadership and moral authority, and fractures soon appear as private grievances, betrayals, and long-simmering questions of identity rise to the surface. Direct from Broadway, this 2025 Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize–winning play makes its LA debut with the original Broadway cast, directed by the incomparable Phylicia Rashad. Both intimate and epic, Purpose is provocative, often hilarious, and ultimately a devastating exploration of legacy and the cost of believing in something bigger than yourself. Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Directed by Phylicia Rashad. Cast: Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, and Kara Young (through 11/29) / Nija Okoro (after 11/29). Runs November 11 – December 13, 2026 at the Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Running time: 2 hours 50 minutes, including one intermission. Contains gunshot sound effects, profanity, and discussions of suicide; recommended for ages 12+ (children under 10 will not be admitted). Showtimes and tickets are available from the Geffen Playhouse box office.