Chadwick Bosemans “Deep Azure” is the focus of the Howard Theater

On March 27, “Deep Azure”, a piece of the late Chadwick A. Boseman (BFA ’00), will focus on the historic Howard Theater. The one-night event will bring in donations for Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and contain a staged reading by Boseman’s piece directed by colleagues, dramatists and Howard Alumni Nsangou Njikam (BFA ’01). The proceeds support scholarships, programs and resources on college, which was named in honor of Boseman in 2021.

The event is the first time that “Deep Azure”, which was nominated for a Jeff Award in 2005, has been carried out for 20 years. Production, both a celebration of Boseman’s legendary career and art and a fundraiser, will contain a well-known line-up, including Lauren E. Banks (banksLawyers: Bass ReevesPresent The blood ceiling), Bessie award winner Adesola Osakalumi (Fela!, Skeleton crew), Joshua Boone (The outsidersPresent Skeleton team)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 for Administration at Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, and Ron Gillyard (BBA ’90) act as executing producers.

Inspired by true events, “Deep Azure” shows the consequences of a police order on the campus of the Mecca University. Concentrated on Azure, described as a “young woman who is determined to uncover the truth behind the death of her beloved friend, Deep”, the piece takes his audience on a poetic spiritual journey that is challenged by the language of hip-hop, jazz and blues and challenges us, “struggling with universal truths of justice, love and divine will.”

“Deep Azure” is one of four “Hip -Hop -Theater” parts written by Boseman or in connection with Boseman, which the Dean -Memerized Phylicia Rashad (BFA ’70) called “by critically recognized actor of the legendary status, celebrated for his representations of cultural icons, mythical and complex people”.

“It is exciting and wonderful to experience Chadwick Boseman in this way – the rhythmic language of his own creation,” said Rashad, who acts as a creative consultant for the project.

A host committee with several Howard -Alumni was also founded to celebrate this event, with the aim of further supporting and supporting the legacy of Champion Boseman. The members of the committee include honorary chairman Ryan Coogler; Alumni Ta-Nehisi Coates, Kamilah Forbes (BFA ’98) and Susan Kelechi Watson (BFA ’95); Logan Coles (BA ’02); Together; Reginald Hudlin; Kenny Leon; Tarell Alvin McCraney; and Don Cheadle.

Per a release from the college, the Involvement of Search Esteemed Leaders from the Entertainment, Arts, and Culture Sectors on the Committee Highlights the “Significance of This Event in Celebrating the Transforming Power of the Arts While Supporting The Next Generation of Artists,” and Promises A “Fusion of Art, Activism, and Legacy, Bringing Together Theater Lovers, Arts Supporters, and Admirers of Boseman’s Work in A Shared Commitment to Shaping the Future of Black Stories.

“Deep Azure”, which weaves his love for culture, history, social issues and the language of the language, shows his mastery as an artist and scholar.

Njikam named the piece as “seed in the hip shop -theater canon” and said it shows Boseman’s brilliance as a writer. “The” deep azure “weave his love for culture, history, social issues and championship of language and demonstrates his championship as an artist and scholar,” said Njikam. “I feel very honored to return to this work, a work that continues to have a great influence on me as an artist and man. May his spirit continue to inspire us to be our greatest self. “

The Howard University Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts is the only good and performing arts on historically Black College and a university (HBCU) and attracts students from all over the world. The proceeds of this event are of crucial importance to support the mission of the college and to enable the growth and development of our artists. Those who take part in this event and support college in any function play a role in promoting the next generation of artists.

To find out more about the event on March 27th and the support, visit https://finearts.howard.edu/deep-azure.