Chadwick Boseman's Posthumous Play Premieres in London to Honor His Memory
The late Hollywood star Chadwick Boseman's powerful play Deep Azure is making its UK premiere at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, with his brothers revealing the production serves as a vital means to preserve the beloved actor's memory and artistic legacy.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Boseman, who tragically passed away in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer, wrote Deep Azure based on the real-life killing of Prince Jones, a Black student who was fatally shot by a police officer in Virginia in 2000. Both Boseman and Jones attended Howard University in Washington DC, with the true events inspiring the actor-playwright to create this poignant theatrical work.
"It preserves his memory," Derek Boseman told Sky News presenters Anna Jones and Kamali Melbourne during an emotional interview. He acknowledged that it took him years to come to terms with his brother's untimely death, making this theatrical production particularly meaningful for the family.
Artistic Inspiration and Personal Connection
Kevin Boseman described the play as being fundamentally about grief, love, and faith—themes that resonate deeply with the family's own experience of loss. "This play is absolutely about grief," Kevin explained. "It's about love, it's about faith. So, yeah, all of that definitely connects to what we've been through."
The brothers shared fond memories of living together in New York City after college, with Kevin recalling those years as his happiest memories of his brother's artistic development. Deep Azure draws inspiration from Shakespearean traditions while incorporating elements of hip-hop poetry and jazz, reflecting Boseman's diverse artistic influences.
A Writer First and Foremost
Despite achieving global fame for his Oscar-nominated role as Black Panther, Boseman's brothers emphasized that writing was his primary passion. "Writing was his number one thing," Derek revealed, noting that his brother was constantly writing—whether on vacation or while watching television at home.
Kevin detailed Boseman's artistic journey, explaining that he initially studied directing and took acting classes to better understand how to communicate with actors. He later studied at Oxford through the British Academy of Dramatic Arts summer program before becoming the celebrated actor the world came to know.
The Production Comes to London
Director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu discovered Deep Azure several years ago and "fell in love" with the work, eventually pitching it to Shakespeare's Globe. The play now runs at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse within the iconic London theatre complex.
The narrative follows Azure, whose world unravels after her fiancé Deep is killed by police—a storyline that explores themes of systemic injustice, personal tragedy, and resilience. This production represents one of several plays Boseman wrote before his death, highlighting his enduring commitment to theatre alongside his film career.
As Deep Azure takes the stage in London, it serves not only as a powerful theatrical work but as a living testament to Chadwick Boseman's multifaceted artistry and the lasting impact of his creative vision.
