DEEP AZURE -- March 27

Join us for a one-night-only premiere benefit performance of DEEP AZURE written by Chadwick A. Boseman, a staged reading, at the "historic" Howard Theatre followed by a VIP post-reception.

Deep Azure

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 and wonderful opportunity to connect and celebrate the arts. VIP guests will enjoy a pre-show and post-show reception. 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.

Points of Significance
  • 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.

For information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tiana Williams Elliott Director of Development at tiana.williams@howard.edu.

Honorary Host Committee

 

Ryan Coogler
Honorary Chair

Don Cheadle

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Logan Coles

Common

Kamilah Forbes

Reginald Hudlin

Kenny Leon

Tarell Alvin McCraney

Susan Kelechi Watson

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

Cast

Isaiah Johnson

Isaiah Johnson
Deep

Amber Iman

Amber Iman
Azure

Greg Alverez Reid

Greg Alverez Reid
Tone

Joshua Boone

Joshua Boone
Roshad

Lauren Banks

Lauren Banks
Street Knowledge Good

Adesola Osakalumi

Adesola Osakalumi
Street Knowledge Evil

Jes Washington

Jes Washington
Stage Directions

Amadou Kouyate

Amadou Kouyate
21 String Kora

DJ Monday Blue

DJ Monday Blue
Music

Creative Team

Chadwick A. Boseman

Chadwick A. Boseman
Playwright

NSangou Njikam

NSangou Njikam
Director

Phylicia Rashad

Phylicia Rashad
Creative Consultant

Sybil Roberts Williams

Sybil Roberts Williams
Script Supervisor

G Clausen

G Clausen
Sound Designer

Alan Edwards

Alan Edwards
Lighting Designer

Sydneii Colter

Sydneii Colter
Stage Manager

LaVonda Elam

LaVonda Elam
Assistant Director
Assistant Stage Manager

Denise Saunders Thompson

Denise Saunders Thompson
Co-Executive Producer

Ron Gillyard

Ron Gillyard
Co-Executive Producer

SPONSORS and PARTNERS

Susan Kelechi Watson

Actress

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.