Steppenwolf to Bring Purpose to London in 2027

The Chicago production will head to the Royal Court Theatre following a run at the Geffen Playhouse.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dance

Graphic illustration of velvet theater curtains and a spotlight hitting a wooden stage, reflecting a modern theatrical production. — Steppenwolf Theatre will bring its production of "Purpose," directed by Phylicia Rashad, to London's Royal Court Theatre in early 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Steppenwolf Theatre will bring its production of "Purpose," written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, to London's Royal Court Theatre in January 2027. The play, which is loosely based on the family of Rev. Jesse Jackson, will stop at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles before its international engagement.

Why it matters

This production marks a significant return for the Chicago-based Steppenwolf Theatre to the London stage, where it has not performed since 2008. It serves as a major expansion of the work's reach following its successful 2024 Chicago premiere.

The production follows the 2024 Chicago premiere of the play and marks the first Steppenwolf show in London since the 2008 production of August: Osage County. The company previously presented work in London in 2000 with One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

The players

Steppenwolf Theatre

This Chicago-based ensemble theatre company is internationally recognized for producing bold new works.

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

He is an acclaimed playwright whose work frequently examines American history and family dynamics.

Phylicia Rashad

She is a celebrated actress and director known for her extensive career in theatre and television.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

He is a prominent American civil rights activist and politician whose family life serves as a loose basis for the play.

Royal Court Theatre

Located in London, this venue is widely considered a leading theatre for new writing and contemporary drama.

The details

Directed by Phylicia Rashad, the production features actors Glenn Davis, Alena Arenas, and Jon Michael Hill. The company is coordinating with Broadway producer David Stone and will have the original Chicago-based creative team travel for the international run.

2000: Steppenwolf produced One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in London.
2004: Royal Court produced Rebecca Gilman's The Sweetest Swing.
2008: Steppenwolf produced August: Osage County in London.
2024: The Chicago premiere of the play Purpose occurred.
January 2027: The production opens at London's Royal Court Theatre.

Industry Dynamics

This production marks a return to London for Steppenwolf, mirroring the company's previous international engagements at the National Theatre. It reflects a growing trend of major American regional theatres expanding their footprint to prominent international stages like the Royal Court.

Chicago theatregoers can see the production locally before it departs for its run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. International audiences in London will gain access to the performance in early 2027.

The takeaway

This production highlights the ongoing international reach of American regional theatre companies. Fans of the work should note that international tours often feature original creative teams to maintain the integrity of the performance.