The last time a Black playwright won the Tony Award for Best Play, Purpose playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins was just three years old...until today, as Jenkins is now the first Black playwright since August Wilson in 1987 to take home the illustrious award.
Moments after his acceptance speech on the stage of Radio City Music Hall, the D.C. native shares not only his pride for the momentous achievement, but for bringing a production from a regional theatre to Broadway, especially at a time when the livelihood of regional theatres is at risk. Purpose had its world premiere last year at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
"I grew up in a really prominent regional theatre community. It's where I was born, it's how I first saw Suzan Lori-Parks plays. I would see the weird regional production of Full Monty!" Jenkins shared in an exclusive interview with 半岛体育 just moments after his big win. See the full interview in the video above. "That was my everything, that was where most of my friendships were forged...It's where I learned how to be an artist, it's how I was exposed to what art was. I just feel like this is the moment to step up and really look around and invest in the community that's surrounding you."
Purpose is currently running at the Helen Hayes Theatre until August 30.
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