A Celebration Of Art And Impact: Deep Azure, By Chadwick A. Boseman, Takes The Stage At Howard University
|
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on March 11, 2025 Written by Emmy & Golden Globe Award Winner CHADWICK A. BOSEMAN Creative Consultant PHYLICIA RASHAD Cast LAUREN E. BANKS, ADESOLA OSAKALUMI, JOSHUA BOONE, GREG ALVEREZ REID, ISAIAH J. JOHNSON, AMBER IMAN, DJALI AMADOU KOUYATE, DJ BLUE MONDAY, JES WASHINGTON Directed by NSANGOU NJIKAM At The Historic Howard Theatre, Washington, D.C. One Night Only - Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM 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 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. THIS WORK IS SEMINAL IN THE HIP HOP THEATRE CANON AND SHOWS CHADWICK'S BRILLIANCE AS A WRITER. WEAVING HIS LOVE OF CULTURE, HISTORY, SOCIAL ISSUES, AND MASTERY OF LANGUAGE. DEEP AZURE DEMONSTRATES HIS MASTERY AS AN ARTIST AND SCHOLAR. I AM DEEPLY HONORED TO RETURN TO THIS WORK, A WORK THAT CONTINUES TO HAVE A HUGE IMPACT ON ME AS AN ARTIST AND A MAN. MAY HIS SPIRIT CONTINUE TO INSPIRE US TO BE OUR GREATEST SELVES. — NSangou Njikam, Director 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. 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. 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. — Susan Kelechi Watson, Actress and Honorary Host Committee Member BIOGRAPHIES LAUREN E. BANKS (Street Knowledge Good) is an accomplished actress and graduate of the prestigious Yale School of Drama. She is best known for her standout performance in the critically acclaimed Paramount limited series “Bass Reeves” and has also appeared in Showtime’s “City on a Hill”. Currently, she stars in Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall’s play The Blood Quilt, directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz at Lincoln Center Theater. Additional notable credits include Maniac and Dietland. ADESOLA OSAKALUMI (Street Knowledge Evil) is an Actor and Bessie Award-winning and Drama Desk-nominated choreographer and actor of stage and screen. His Choreographic work includes Renaissance Mixtape (Victoria Theater), Skeleton Crew (Broadway MTC), Cullud Wattah, Coal Country, Othello (Public Theater), runboyrun, Eyewitness Blues (NYTW), Good Grief (Vineyard), Jam on the Groove (Minetta Lane) and the film “School of Rock.” As a performer he has appeared in Skeleton Crew, Fela!, Equus (Broadway), Syncing Ink (Flea/Alley Theater) and the films “Red Pill,” “IBRAHIM,” “Enchanted,” “Across the Universe,” “Sex and the City 2,” “"Endgame" (NBC) and “Ice.” JOSHUA BOONE (Roshad) is a Tony, Grammy, and Drama League Award-nominated actor. His impressive body of work includes The Outsiders and Skeleton Crew (Broadway MTC). He also starred as the lead in Netflix's “A Jazzman's Blues” and was featured in “Seven Seconds” (Netflix.) Additional stage credits include Artney Jackson (Williamstown), Actually (MTC, Williamstown), Mother Courage and Her Children (Classic Stage Company), and Holler If Ya Hear Me (Broadway). GREG ALVEREZ REID (Tone) is an actor, producer, and voiceover artist, most recently appearing in Fat Ham (Studio Theatre) and This Bright Wilderness: Celebrating the Legacy of Black Theater (The Mark Taper Forum). His other stage credits include Blues for an Alabama Sky (Center Theatre Group), as well as numerous Off-Broadway and regional theater productions. He has performed at renowned arts centers like The Apollo Theater and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in his native Washington, DC. On screen, Greg has been featured in “Between The World and Me” (HBO), “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” (Hulu), and “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS). His voice work can be heard in current Audible series, as well as with brands like The National Battle of the Bands, General Motors, AAA, and The NAACP. Additionally, Greg has worked as a producer for VH1, MTV, HBO, BET, and the NBA. @gregariousreid ISAIAH J. JOHNSON (Deep) has appeared on, and off Broadway shows, including The Merchant of Venice, Richard III, Far From Heaven, Peter and the Starcatcher, Hamilton, and the Grammy award winning reimagining of “Color Purple”. Among working alongside other notable artists and directors, he has starred in “Person of Interest" (CBS), "The Knick" (Cinemax), “Nancy Drew”, “All Rise” (CBS), the Peabody Award Winning Drama “David Makes Man” (HBO MAX), “Florida Man” (Netflix), “FBI: Most Wanted”, “Blue Bloods” and “Law and Order”. AMBER IMAN (Azure) is a Tony and Drama League Award-nominated actress, best known for her role as Rafaela in Lempicka on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut portraying Nina Simone in Soul Doctor. Additional Broadway credits include George C. Wolfe’s Shuffle Along and the first National Tour of Hamilton. Recent highlights include The Ford/Hill Project (The Public, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co.), Hello Dolly (Arkansas Rep), Goddess (Berkeley Rep), and Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical (A.C.T.). Her TV and film credits include “High Maintenance” (HBO) and her award-winning short film “Steve.” @amberiman_ DJALI AMADOU KOUYATE (21 String Kora) is an Amadou Kouyate, the 150th generation of the Kouyate family of Manding Diali (oral historians/musicians of West Africa) and the first born in America from his father’s lineage, is a master of the 21-string Kora and percussionist on Djembe and Koutiro drums. His repertoire spans from 13th-century traditional songs to contemporary compositions infused with blues and jazz. In addition to his solo work, he performs with Proper SKANKS, Amadou Kouyate Ensemble, WEEDOU Everything!, and Memory of African Culture. He has collaborated with Chuck Davis, the African American Dance Ensemble, Farafina Kan, and Kankouran West African Dance Company. His extensive credits include performances at The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Smithsonian Institution, The NAMM Show, and international festivals across England, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and the U.S., as well as appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra and contributions to multiple Grammy-nominated projects. DJ BLUE MONDAY (DJ) a sonic revolutionary with Southern roots and Brooklyn creative fire, crafts euphoric journeys from wax to digital. Her sets pulse with Black womanist consciousness, motivational movement, and an unshakable commitment to the funk. A featured DJ at NYC’s Soho Grand Hotel and the official tour DJ for the Buy From A Black Woman Inspire Tour with H&M, she has powered stages for Soul In The Horn, Black Girls Love Vinyl, 651 Arts, Virgin Hotels NYC, The Pulitzer Prizes, Andscape, and The Meteor. As the creator of Doyennes of Disc, a vinyl party celebrating women selectors, she continues to push sonic boundaries and build community. Follow her on Instagram and Twitch at @djmondayblue or visit djmondayblue.com. JES WASHINGTON (Stage Directions) is a New York based actress from Memphis, TN. Received her MFA from Actors Studio Drama School. OFF-BROADWAY: When Gold Turns Black, Coping Mechanism, White Woman, Black Boy, North Carolina, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, THEATER: Who Will Sing For Lena, an international one-woman show; Clybourne Park, Paradise Blue, The Mountaintop, and more. FILM: “The Housewife”, “Luminous”, “Wall Apart”, TELEVISION: “The Equalizer”, “The Gilded Age” on HBO, “Half the History: Belinda Royale Story”, and “The Board.” VOICE OVER: “Greater Boston”, “Windfall”, “What’s the Frequency?” SERIES: “The Board.” AWARDS: Best Lead Actress, People’s Choice, Best Production, winner of AACT National Festival 2019 and 2021 and Monaco Mondial du Theatre recipient of honors. Lifetime Member of Actors Studio. NSANGOU NJIKAM (Director) An actor, playwright, and hip-hop theater artist originally from Baltimore, MD, Mr. Njikam’s writing credits include Syncing Ink, Re:Definition, When We Left, A Freeky Introduction, I.D., 21 STRINGS and he is one of seven writers of Hands Up: Seven Plays; Seven Testimonials. Acting credits include Syncing Ink (Alley Theatre/Flea Theater), Re:Definition (LaMama), Henry V (Classical Theatre of Harlem), and Deep Azure (Congo Square Theatre), NSangou has also written for and collaborated with Grammy Award winner Common, specifically on his Audible.com project “BlueBird Memories'', the 2020 NBA All Star Game and the Audible interview series Mindpower Mixtape. His hip-hop theater play, I.D. (commission by Penn State University) premiered at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. PHYLICIA RASHAD (Creative Consultant) An acclaimed actor and stage director, she first became a household name through her iconic portrayal of Claire Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” a role that garnered her numerous accolades and cemented her place in television history. She has since captivated audiences with performances in “This Is Us,” “Empire”, and Tarell Alvin McCraney's Peabody Award-winning series “David Makes Man” on the OWN Network. While television played a pivotal role in her rise to fame, Ms. Rashad has also made an indelible mark on the stage, with performances both on and Off-Broadway, often in productions that highlight her musical talent, including Jelly’s Last Jam, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls, and The Wiz. In 2016, she was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame and received the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play for her performance in Head of Passes at The Public Theater. She has continued to take on powerful roles, including the Duchess of Gloucester in Richard II, part of the Shakespeare on the Radio collaboration between The Public Theater and WNYC. On Broadway, Ms. Rashad has delivered commanding performances in Skeleton Crew (earning Tony and Drama Desk Awards), August: Osage County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Gem of the Ocean (Tony nomination), and Cymbeline at Lincoln Center. She won both the Drama Desk and Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her riveting portrayal of Lena Younger in the 2004 Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun. Her film credits include “Creed” and “Creed II”, “Just Wright”, “Good Deeds”, “For Colored Girls”, “A Fall From Grace”, “Black Box”, “Soul”, and the Netflix holiday musical “Jingle Jangle”. Beyond acting, Ms. Rashad has established herself as a visionary director, making her directorial debut at Seattle Repertory Theater with Gem of the Ocean. She has since directed productions of Our Lady of 121st Street, The Roommate, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (NAACP Theatre Award for Best Director), Immediate Family, Fences, A Raisin in the Sun, and Four Little Girls. ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in awarding doctoral degrees to African American students. Howard is the top-ranked historically Black college or university (HBCU) according to Forbes and is the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, including the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 165 Fulbright recipients. To learn more about Howard University and the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, please visit www.howard.edu. Photo: Getty Images If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 104,336 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
