The La Jolla Playhouse is bringing the West Coast premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play 'Purpose' to the stage, and it's a thought-provoking and powerful production. This play, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, explores the complex dynamics of the Black American family and their struggles with identity, purpose, and legacy. The story centers around the Jaspers, a family loosely inspired by the Jesse Jackson family, and their tumultuous weekend in Chicago. The play's director, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, emphasizes the intimate nature of the story, delving into the personal truths and legacies of each family member.
One of the most compelling aspects of 'Purpose' is its ability to resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level. Matthew Elijah Webb, who plays the character of Naz, finds a striking similarity between his own experiences and those of the character. As a queer individual, Webb relates to Naz's journey of self-discovery and the challenges of navigating a faith-forward household with traditional gender expectations. The support and protectiveness of Naz's older brother, Junior, and his mother, Claudine, mirror Webb's own relationships, highlighting the universal themes of family dynamics and personal growth.
The play's narrative structure is unique, with Naz breaking the fourth wall and directly addressing the audience. This technique adds an extra layer of engagement, as the audience becomes part of the storytelling process. Webb describes Naz as the 'shepherd' of the story, guiding the audience through the family's crisis of purpose. The director, Turner Sonnenberg, also found personal connections to the play, recalling her own childhood experiences with the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young.
'Purpose' is a masterful blend of humor and depth, with witty dialogue that lightens the mood and sharpens the impact of the more serious themes. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' writing is praised for its ability to make ordinary circumstances feel extraordinary, and the play's exploration of personal legacies and the crisis of purpose is both moving and thought-provoking. The cast, including Cornell Womack, Stephanie Berry, Sean Boyce Johnson, Crystal Dickinson, and Andréa Agosto, delivers powerful performances that bring the characters to life and make the audience feel invested in their journeys.
The La Jolla Playhouse production aims to communicate the playwright's intent to the audience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and storytelling. Turner Sonnenberg's interpretation of the play's themes and her personal connection to them make this production a must-see. 'Purpose' is a powerful exploration of family, identity, and the search for purpose, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human existence and the impact of personal legacies.
