A Celebration of Art and Impact: Chadwick A. Boseman’s Deep Azure Takes the Stage at the Howard Theatre for a One Night Benefit Event

Poster for "Deep Azure" by Chadwick A. Boseman shows two hands reaching towards each other. Details include event date, time, and location.

Pictured: Poster for "Deep Azure" by Chadwick A. Boseman shows two hands reaching towards each other. Details include event date, time, and location. Credit: Howard University Fine Arts

On Thursday, March 27, at 7:30 PM, 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 including Lauren E. Banks, Adesola Osakalumi, Joshua Boone, Greg Alverez Reid, Isaiah J. Johnson, Amber Iman, Djali Amadou Kouyate, DJ Blue Monday, and Jes Washington.

Honorary Host Committee

The Honorary Host Committee for this special evening includes a prestigious group of leaders in the entertainment, arts, and culture sectors who continue to champion Chadwick A. Boseman’s legacy:

  • Ryan Coogler – Honorary Chair

  • Don Cheadle

  • Ta-Nehisi Coates

  • Common

  • Kamilah Forbes

  • Reginald Hudlin

  • Kenny Leon

  • Tarell Alvin McCraney

  • Susan Kelechi Watson

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.

A woman with braids poses confidently in neon lighting, her hand gracefully touching her shoulder. She wears hoop earrings and has a calm, empowered expression.

Pictured: Amber Iman poses confidently in neon lighting, her hand gracefully touching her shoulder. She wears hoop earrings and has a calm, empowered expression. Credit: Howard University Fine Arts

Cast

The evening will feature an exceptional cast including:

  • Lauren E. Banks (The Blood Quilt)

  • 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)

  • Djali Amadou Kouyate (21 Strings Kora)

  • DJ Blue Monday

  • Jes Washington

Chadwick Boseman in black and white

Pictured: Chadwick Boseman in black and white. Credit: Howard University Fine Arts

Chadwick Boseman and Howard University

Chadwick Boseman, a critically acclaimed actor celebrated for his portrayals of cultural icons, mythic characters, and complex human beings was also a scholar, prolific writer, and activist. He reveled in the study of theater, the etymology of words, and the art of storytelling. Boseman 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 described as “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.

A person with short, dark hair smiles softly, wearing ornate earrings, a silver necklace, and a deep burgundy patterned shawl against a dark background.

Pictured: Phylicia Rashad smiles softly, wearing ornate earrings, a silver necklace, and a deep burgundy patterned shawl against a dark background.Credit: Howard University Fine Arts

Phylicia Rashad emphasizes the importance of Boseman’s work: “It is thrilling and wonderful to experience Chadwick Boseman in this way—the rhythmic language of his own creation.”

This special evening serves as both a celebration of Chadwick 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.

For more information visit the official website below:

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