2026/27 Season

Purpose

West Coast-Premiere Play

Purpose

MAY - JUNE 2026 | Mandell Weiss Theatre

Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg

TONY AWARD FOR BEST PLAY, 2025
PULITZER PRIZE FOR DRAMA, 2025

“It is brilliant and funny and serious and complex and powerful.” Oprah Winfrey

The most awarded play of 2025 is coming to the Playhouse. Fresh from winning the Tony Award for Best Play, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award, Purpose is “a thumping, riveting, guns-blazing, major new American play” (NY Daily News).

For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.

As The New York Times said: “Purpose showcases Jacobs-Jenkins’ vivid language, spitfire dialogue and sweeping sense of American history… you may have trouble catching your breath from laughing so hard.” This West Coast premiere production is led by celebrated San Diego director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg.


Ticket Information

Tickets are currently only available as part of a 2026/27 Season subscription.
We’d love you to join us! Subscribe to secure the lowest prices, best seats, free exchanges, free parking and more perks all year. Explore the 2026/27 Season and subscription options here.

Single tickets will go on sale in Spring 2026. Join our email list to be notified.

First Look (previews)*: May 12 – May 16
Weeks 2 – 4: May 19 – Jun 7

* ‘First Look’ performances are the first week of the run (with some exceptions). First Look tickets are lower price and offer the opportunity to experience the show while the creative team are still polishing and making changes. This is a vital element of a show’s evolution, allowing the creative team to see the show through the eyes of the audience. Playhouse staff speak to the audience before the show starts, and the creative team may be seated near you taking notes. Please take this into account when purchasing tickets.

Content Guidance

This show contains some strong language, discussions of self-harm, gunshots and is recommended for ages 12 and up. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. Read about our age recommendations here. If you have any questions about content or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.

Duration

Approximately 2 hours and 50 mins including a 15 min intermission. As this is a new production, duration will be updated closer to the run dates. Please check back here and in your pre-show emails.


Audience Engagement Events

Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.

Talkback Tuesdays: Tue, May 26 and Jun 2 after the 7:30pm show

Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.

Discovery Sunday: Sun, May 31 after the 1pm show

Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.


Access Performance

ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Sat, May 30, 2pm

The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, captioning for patrons to access on individual devices, and a relaxed welcoming environment for patrons with sensory sensitivities. Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision can be requested in advance. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your access needs. Find more info about access here.

Sensory Friendly Guide

Read the Sensory Friendly Guide for the Weiss Theatre here


Useful Information

Parking

UC San Diego’s Theatre District Parking Structure is across the road from the Playhouse. Ticket buyers can pay for parking on-site at the ParkMobile website parkmobile.io. Subscribers get free parking. Find all parking information here.

Concessions

Concessions open 60 mins before showtime. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.

Venue Info

Mandell Weiss Theatre

The Mandell Weiss Theatre is a 492-seat proscenium arch theatre, with two front rows of removable seats allowing for a greater stage length. The theatre also maintains an upstairs wooden deck for parties, receptions and outdoor gatherings, and a small outdoor amphitheatre for pre-show entertainment.

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