Chadwick Boseman's Final Play Debuts in the UK at Shakespeare's Globe
Deep Azure, the last play written by the late Chadwick Boseman, has premiered at Shakespeare's Globe in London. This production marks the first UK staging of the work, originally penned in 2005. Boseman, best known for his role as Black Panther, saw his playwriting career overshadowed by his acting success, with Deep Azure receiving only one prior staging in Chicago.
A Poetic Study in Grief and Loss
The play is a profound exploration of grief, written in street poetry-esque rhyming verse. It centers on Azure, portrayed by Selina Jones, who is mourning the death of her lover Deep, played by Jayden Elijah. Deep was killed by a police officer, leaving Azure in a spiral of despair, compounded by personal body image issues. She resides with Deep's friends, Tone and Roshad, as she grapples with her emotions.
Deep reappears throughout the narrative, possibly as a spirit, memory, or hallucination induced by grief and guilt. The story draws inspiration from true events, offering a bleak yet playful examination of loss. Director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu brings this vision to life, though the production has faced mixed reviews.
Production Strengths and Criticisms
The first half of Deep Azure has been described as slow-paced, with minimal action and an inward focus. Fynn-Aiduenu's direction includes a brightly-clad chorus of a capella singers, which some critics argue adds unnecessary length and artifice, pushing the runtime toward Shakespearean proportions. At times, the chorus performs songs like the Cheers theme, which may detract from the core narrative.
However, the second half sees significant improvement as the chorus disperses, allowing the plot to intensify and Boseman's potent poetry to shine. The focus shifts to the four main characters, particularly Jones's compelling portrayal of Azure, a woman at rock bottom seeking a path forward. The play features elements reminiscent of Hamlet, including a ghost, a revenge plot, and direct quotations, enhancing its dramatic depth.
Legacy and Significance
Deep Azure is more than a curiosity from a famous actor; it is a powerful work of poetry that resonates with themes of loss and recovery. Boseman's widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, was reportedly unfamiliar with the play until the Globe expressed interest, highlighting its obscure history. The decision to stage it at a candlelit Jacobean playhouse in London, 21 years after its creation, adds a layer of randomness yet fitting tribute to Boseman's multifaceted talent.
The Globe's investment in this production represents a risk, moving beyond traditional Shakespearean works to embrace contemporary drama. While the maximalist approach may not appeal to all, the play's emotional core and poetic brilliance ensure it leaves a lasting impact. Tickets are priced from £5 to £80, with performances running for 2 hours and 50 minutes at Shakespeare's Globe on the South Bank.
