The Broadway play “Purpose,” directed by Phylicia Rashad, has garnered significant acclaim, recently winning the Tony Award for Best Play. This powerful family drama unfolds against the backdrop of a prominent Black American family entrenched in deep-seated secrets and historical significance. The narrative follows the Jasper family, where personal dilemmas intertwine with political tensions, culminating in a transformative homecoming that exposes unresolved issues.
Actor Harry Lennix portrays Solomon Jasper, a civil rights icon and family patriarch navigating the complexities of his family’s legacy. In a recent interview, he described the plot’s core, which revolves around the return of the youngest son, accompanied by an unexpected guest. This visit catalyzes a series of confrontations where past decisions and unsaid emotions resurface, often with poignant wit and humor.
Lennix emphasizes the character’s depth, noting Solomon’s intelligence and reflection shaped by his experiences during the civil rights struggle. He draws parallels to historical figures who galvanized political movements while also grappling with personal flaws. The title, “Purpose,” encapsulates the searching for meaning in one’s life and the urgency to pursue one’s calling, a theme resonating throughout the performance.
As “Purpose” will conclude its Broadway run at the end of August, Lennix highlights exciting future projects, including the Bronzville Renaissance Project in Chicago, aimed at cultural development in the arts, and a musical adaptation of the Book of Ruth.
The play not only sheds light on family dynamics within a political context but also resonates with broader themes of purpose and legacy, making it a crucial piece for audiences interested in the intersection of art and social justice.