Boseman's First Play, 'Deep Azure,' Returns to Stage

Chadwick Boseman's early theatrical work, the play "Deep Azure," has been brought back to the spotlight with a new adaptation at The Globe's Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. The production runs until April 11th, directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, and pays homage to Boseman's foundational passion for writing. Inspired by the 2000 shooting death of Prince Jones, a friend from Howard University, the play explores themes of grief, injustice, and mistaken identity. Boseman penned the script after the fatal shooting of Jones, an event that profoundly impacted him and eventually led to his acting career.

The new staging of "Deep Azure" has received endorsement from both Chadwick Boseman's family and the family of Prince Jones. This collaboration highlights the play's enduring relevance and its powerful message. Boseman's brothers and widow remember him as a disciplined, critical thinker and artist, emphasizing his dedication to learning and his craft. They believe his writings, like "Deep Azure," encourage critical thought and inspire audiences.

The play's themes remain alarmingly pertinent, particularly concerning police conduct and the call for reform, a cause championed by Prince Jones' family since his death. They advocate for the use of non-lethal weapons and due process. The revival of "Deep Azure" offers a significant platform to reignite conversations about justice and honor the legacies of both Boseman and Jones, aiming to inspire positive change through art.