On March 27, “Deep Azure,” a play written by the late Chadwick A. Boseman (BFA ‘00), will take center stage at the historic Howard Theatre. The one-night-only event will raise funds for the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and feature a staged reading of Boseman’s play, directed by fellow artist, playwright, and Howard alumni NSangou Njikam (BFA ’01). Proceeds will directly support scholarships, programming, and resources at the college, named in Boseman’s honor in 2021.
The event marks the first time “Deep Azure,” which was nominated for a Jeff Award in 2005, has been performed in 20 years. The production, both a celebration of Boseman’s iconic career and artistry and a fundraising event, will feature a well-known cast, including Lauren E. Banks (Lawmen: Bass Reeves, The Blood Quilt), Bessie Award winner Adesola Osakalumi (FELA!, Skeleton Crew), Joshua Boone (The Outsiders, Skeleton Crew), Greg Alverez Reid (Fat Ham, Between the World and Me), Isaiah J. Johnson (Hamilton, The Color Purple), Amber Iman (Lempicka, Soul Doctor), and Djali Amadou Kouyate (21 String Kora). Denise Saunders Thompson (BFA ’92), assistant dean for administration at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and Ron Gillyard (BBA ’90) serve as executive producers.
Inspired by true events, “Deep Azure” depicts the aftermath of a police killing on the campus of Mecca University. Centered on Azure, described as a “young woman determined to uncover the truth behind the death of her beloved boyfriend, Deep,” the piece takes its audience on a poetically spiritual journey, fueled by the language of hip-hop, jazz, and the blues, and challenges us to “grapple with universal truths of justice, love, and divine will.”
“Deep Azure” is one of four “Hip Hop Theatre” pieces written by or in conjunction with Boseman, whom Dean Emeritus Phylicia Rashad (BFA ‘70) called “a critically acclaimed actor of iconic status, celebrated for his portrayals of cultural icons, mythic characters, and complex human beings.”
“It is thrilling and wonderful to experience Chadwick Boseman in this way — the rhythmic language of his own creation,” said Rashad, who serves as the project’s creative consultant.
A host committee including several Howard alumni has also been formed in celebration of this event, with the aim of continuing to support and champion Boseman’s legacy. Committee members include honorary chair Ryan Coogler; alumni Ta-Nehisi Coates, Kamilah Forbes (BFA ’98), and Susan Kelechi Watson (BFA ’95); Logan Coles (BA ’02); Common; Reginald Hudlin; Kenny Leon; Tarell Alvin McCraney; and Don Cheadle.
Per a release from the College, the involvement of such esteemed leaders from the entertainment, arts, and culture sectors on the committee highlights the “significance of this event in celebrating the transformative power of the arts while supporting the next generation of artists,” and promises a “fusion of art, activism, and legacy, bringing together theatre lovers, arts supporters, and admirers of Boseman’s work in a shared commitment to shaping the future of Black storytelling.”
Weaving his love of culture, history, social issues, and mastery of language, “Deep Azure” demonstrates his mastery as an artist and scholar.
Njikam called the play a “seminal in the hip hop theatre canon” and said it shows Boseman’s brilliance as a writer. “Weaving his love of culture, history, social issues, and mastery of language, “Deep Azure” demonstrates his mastery as an artist and scholar,” Njikam said. “I am deeply honored to return to this work, a work that continues to have a huge impact on me as an artist and a man. May his spirit continue to inspire us to be our greatest selves.”
The Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts is the only fine and performing arts college at a historically Black college and university (HBCU) and attracts students from across the world. The proceeds from this event are vital in supporting the college’s mission and enabling the growth and development of our artist-scholars. Those who participate in this event and support the College in any capacity play a role in fostering the next generation of artists.
To learn more about the March 27 event and ways to support, visit https://finearts.howard.edu/deep-azure.
From the Honorary Host Committee: What they are saying about “Deep Azure”
“In every stage of my filmmaking career, I have been blessed to collaborate with several impressive alumni from Howard University, but none impacted my life and art as much as the great Chadwick Boseman. The world knew Chadwick as a groundbreaking actor, but his initial creative passion was writing. I heard stories from other artists who were present during Chad’s time at the school of Fine Arts, and almost all of them surrounded “Deep Azure,” his then-magnum opus. It has been twenty years since the play has been performed, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a member of the host committee that is helping to bring Chadwick’s work back to the stage in an effort to raise funds for the school that shaped him and so many other incredible artists, that now bears his namesake.” — Ryan Coogler, filmmaker and director
“Chad was a child of the “Most High,” an artist, and a visionary. He moved through this life with purpose and lived with clear intention. He had a heart filled with love and a smile that lit up our lives. His global impact shifted the culture while honoring the ancestors he so often channeled into his work. And now, we honor him. Forever brother. Forever friend. Chadwick, forever.” — Susan Kelechi Watson, actress
“Chadwick Boseman is one of the most important figures ever in storytelling. The roles he played introduced many to Black history and heroes in a human way. To be able to witness his perspective as a writer is a gift. And we are blessed to be able to experience it. This reading will be a blessing and a spark for all who experience it and will open more paths for future storytellers.” — Common, actor and rapper
“This event is of the highest significance, as it is in support of an iconic educational and training institution that consistently defines our cultural landscape. Supporting this event is supporting the future of American culture.” — Kamilah Forbes, curator, producer, and director
... And from Actor Michael B. Jordan
“As I start to read, I’m blown away, then realize that was a silly thought because the man who wrote it is brilliant. Can’t help but wonder what was going on in his mind and heart that inspired these feelings. Feelings that turned into characters with depth and gravitas that jump off the page. A story, set in D.C., where his experiences at Howard University helped shape his path as a Black man, but also a place to hone his craft as well. What went on during those times is still relevant today. Chad isn’t a surface level person, so I know there’s more in between the lines — The systematic seesaw of “good and evil” that the characters experienced and how he saw it. The creativity as he uses dialogue raps and dance as ways to move you and provoke thought is exquisite. He’s sharing something that’s so personal, yet feels so universal. His poetic wordplay and grounded emotions place you right there at Mecca University and take you on a ride.
As time goes on, I’m still learning more and more about Chad and the complexity of his mind and heart. I’m smiling thinking about how the rest of the world can still discover more about this man. How he inspires from beyond the physical. How this work will come to life one day on a stage. How the next generation of talent and artists will pick up the baton and continue to carry it forward. Miss you, love you.”
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