DEEP AZURE -- March 27

Join us for an unforgettable evening of world-renowned artistry at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts' 2025 benefit event, Thursday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. Attendees will be treated to an extraordinary performance, complemented by an exclusive pre-show reception in the JFK Gallery for our most generous sponsors and guests. As the night concludes, all participants are invited to a post-show reception in the Nations Gallery, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect and celebrate the arts. Your support will directly benefit the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, enriching the Departments of Art, Music, Theatre Arts, the Gallery of Art, and the Office of Choirs and Bands.

Mecca University is in an uproar over the police killing of beloved college student Deep, and no one is more determined to solve the mystery of his death than his girlfriend Azure. But as Azure begins putting the pieces together, she may learn that Deep’s death hits closer to home than she ever imagined. Using the heightened language of Hip Hop, Jazz and Blues, Chadwick A. Boseman takes us on a journey where the spiritual and physical realms meet, forcing us to grapple with universal truths of Justice, Love, and Divine Will.

Directed by artist, playwright, curator, rapper and cultural convener NSangou Njikam along with Creative Consultant Phylicia Rashad, the evening offers an incredible lineup of gifted and talented actors. Additional artists are soon to be announced for the staged reading, making this a memorable evening of theatre and community. Producers: Derrick Boseman, Kevin Boseman, and Simone Ledward Boseman.

Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts is the premier and only fine and performing arts college at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States, attracting students from across the country and worldwide. The proceeds from this event are vital in supporting the college's mission, enabling the growth and development of our Artists/Scholars. By participating in this benefit event, you are playing a crucial role in fostering the next generation of artists and ensuring that the vibrant cultural landscape of our communities thrive. It's an evening not to be missed, filled with inspiration, connection, and a shared passion for the arts.

• ONE NIGHT ONLY, benefit performance and staged reading.
• Fundraising event supporting the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.
• A full production of “Deep Azure” has only been presented once, in 2005 at Congo Square Theatre Company in Chicago, in conjunction with the Hip Hop Theatre Festival – making this the 20th anniversary of the original production.
• “Deep Azure” is inspired by the true events of Howard University student Prince Jones.
• “Deep Azure” is one of four Hip Hop Theatre pieces written by, or in conjunction with Chadwick A. Boseman.
• Themes of love, social justice, spiritual law, and the balance of the world are central to this piece
• This outstanding literary masterpiece demonstrates the complexity and brilliance of Hip Hop language and the philosophy of the African Diaspora.
• Chadwick A. Boseman’s first passion was developing and creating screenplays.

Program, casting, and prices are subject to change without notice. This performance is an external rental presented in coordination with the Kennedy Center Campus Rentals Office and is not produced by the Kennedy Center.