Deep Azure by Chadwick A. Boseman

On Thursday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m., The Historic Howard Theatre will come alive with the power of storytelling as a one-night-only staged reading of DEEP AZURE takes center stage. Written by the late Chadwick A. Boseman, this poignant and lyrical work will be performed as a benefit event to raise funds for the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Directed by multi-talented artist, playwright, curator, rapper, and Howard University Alumni NSangou Njikam, alongside Creative Consultant Phylicia Rashad, the evening will feature an exceptional cast to include Lauren E. Banks (The Blood Quilt), Bessie Award winner Adesola Osakalumi (FELA!, Skeleton Crew), Joshua Boone (The Outsiders, Skeleton Crew), Greg Alverez Reid (Fat Ham), Isaiah J. Johnson (Hamilton, Color Purple), Amber Iman (Lempicka, Soul Doctor), and Djali Amadou Kouyate (21 Strings Kora).

The design team includes Lucille Lortel award winning lighting designer Alan C. Edwards and St. Louis Theatre Circle nominated sound designer G. Clausen.

The production is brought to life by producers Derrick Boseman, Kevin Boseman, and Simone Ledward Boseman, who are committed to preserving Chadwick’s artistic vision and legacy. General management is led by Martian Entertainment, with Denise Saunders Thompson, Assistant Dean for Administration at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and Ron Gillyard serving as executive producers.

Following the performance, a VIP post-reception will provide guests with an opportunity to celebrate Boseman’s legacy while supporting the next generation of artists emerging from Howard University.

CHADWICK BOSEMAN- A CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ACTOR OF ICONIC STATUS, CELEBRATED FOR HIS PORTRAYALS OF CULTURAL ICONS, MYTHIC CHARACTERS, AND COMPLEX HUMAN BEINGS- WAS ALSO A SCHOLAR, PROLIFIC WRITER, AND AN ACTIVIST WHO REVELED IN THE STUDY OF THEATER, THE ETYMOLOGY OF WORDS, AND THE ART OF STORYTELLING. CHADWICK WAS ONE OF THE PROGENITORS OF HIP-HOP THEATER- BIRTHED ON THE CAMPUS OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY, IN WHAT IS NOW THE CHADWICK A. BOSEMAN COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS. HIS SEMINAL WRITTEN WORK, DEEP AZURE, IS BY HIS OWN DESCRIPTION, “AN AMALGAMATION OF HIP-HOP POETRY, JAZZ AND BLUES SLANG DELIVERED WITH THE SENSIBILITY OF THE CLASSICALLY TRAINED ACTOR.” IT IS THRILLING AND WONDERFUL TO EXPERIENCE CHADWICK BOSEMAN IN THIS WAY- THE RHYTHMIC LANGUAGE OF HIS OWN CREATION. — Phylicia Rashad, Creative Consultant

About DEEP AZURE

Set against the backdrop of Mecca University, DEEP AZURE unfolds in the wake of a tragic police killing that sends shockwaves through the campus. At the heart of the story is Azure, a young woman determined to uncover the truth behind the death of her beloved boyfriend, Deep. But as she pieces together the mystery, she soon realizes that the answers may lie closer to home than she ever imagined.

Infused with the rhythm and poetry of Hip Hop, Jazz, and Blues, Boseman’s deeply moving work bridges the spiritual and physical realms, compelling audiences to confront universal truths about justice, love, and destiny.

Honoring Boseman’s Legacy & Investing in the Future

This special evening serves as both a celebration of Chadwick A. Boseman’s artistic genius and a call to action—to uplift and invest in the young creatives who will shape the future of Black storytelling. All proceeds from the event will directly support scholarships, programming, and resources at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

A cornerstone of this legacy is The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, which provides incoming students enrolled in the College of Fine Arts, Department of Theatre Arts, with a four-year scholarship covering the total cost of university tuition. Established to honor Boseman’s profound impact on the arts and his unwavering commitment to mentorship and education, this prestigious scholarship is awarded through a selection process guided by the Dean of the College and the Department Chairperson. It ensures that the next generation of visionary artists those who dare to tell bold, transformative stories—have the financial support and resources to pursue their craft at one of the most esteemed institutions for Black excellence in the Arts.

• Ryan Coogler – Honorary Chair
• Don Cheadle
• Ta-Nehisi Coates
• Common
• Kamilah Forbes
• Reginald Hudlin
• Kenny Leon
• Tarell Alvin McCraney
• Susan Kelechi Watson
• Logan Coles

Their involvement highlights the significance of this event in celebrating the transformative power of the arts while supporting the next generation of artists. This exclusive evening promises an unforgettable 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. To learn more, click here to explore how you can contribute and make an impact.

Sponsorship Opportunities

For those interested in supporting this remarkable event and contributing to the future of the arts, sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, please visit DEEP AZURE Sponsorship Information.