Broadway's "Purpose": A Record-Breaking Hit Explores Family, Faith, and the Power of Laughter

Broadway's Blockbuster Season: An Interview with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Playwright of "Purpose" The 2025 Broadway season shattered records, grossing nearly $2 billion. One of the season's highlights, the family drama "Purpose," written by Pulitzer Prize winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, is nominated for six Tony Awards. In an exclusive interview, Jacobs-Jenkins discussed his work and its themes. "I like to think of the theater as a gym for the emotions," he said, explaining that the theater provides a safe space to explore difficult feelings collectively. The show's success is attributed to its exploration of complex family relationships and faith, resonating with audiences on a deeply personal level. The title, "Purpose," emerged from Jacobs-Jenkins' research into the "crisis of purpose" prevalent in the era the play explores. Jacobs-Jenkins also emphasized the importance of comedy in his work, describing laughter as a unifying event, a moment of connection that transcends differences. The play's success underscores the enduring power of family drama on Broadway and the ability of theater to explore profound themes in a compelling and engaging way.