Deep Azure Review: Chadwick Boseman's Hip-Hop Tragedy Explores Grief and Justice
Chadwick Boseman, celebrated for his iconic role as T'Challa in Black Panther, left behind a multifaceted legacy that extended beyond acting. His 2005 play, Deep Azure, now staged at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London, reveals the profound depth of his artistic vision, blending social commentary with Shakespearean grandeur in a sprawling, music-filled narrative.
A Poetic Exploration of Loss and Injustice
The play centers on Azure, portrayed with astounding intensity by Selina Jones, a Black woman mourning her fiancé Deep, played by Jayden Elijah, who has been killed by a police officer. Inspired by the real-life death of university student Prince Jones in 2000, Boseman weaves a tale that splices themes of police violence in the United States with classic elements of jealousy, injustice, revenge, and grief.
Azure's anguish is powerfully depicted, including a poignant portrayal of her eating disorder, while the reactions of Deep's friends, Tone and Roshad, add layers to the collective mourning. The narrative, though sometimes opaque, is undeniably poetic, drawing on Shakespeare's lyricism and even incorporating snippets of his writing, such as the "too too solid flesh" soliloquy from Hamlet.
A Rich Blend of Hip-Hop and Verse
Deep Azure is a dynamic fusion of hip-hop, song, and verse, with language that echoes Shakespeare's poetic rhythms. Directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, the ensemble brings a vital presence to the stage, engaging in beatboxing, rapping, singing, and dancing. Their costumes shift from space-age attire to marching-band uniforms, reflecting the play's experimental and non-naturalistic style.
The chorus also delivers satirical riffs on TV culture and consumerism, adding a layer of social critique. However, the narrative can grow arcane at times, with disparate strands that include jumps to tsarist Russia, references to Rasputin, and metaphorical transformations like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
Complexity and Redemption in the Second Half
While the first half may perplex with its abstruse elements, the play gains momentum and clarity after the intermission. Shocking twists emerge, and the puzzling parts coalesce into a smoother, more coherent whole. This complexity, though challenging, is a strength, as the play is packed with ideas that invite audiences to surrender to its strange logic and poetic richness.
Boseman's work is a testament to lost promise, offering a unique theatrical experience that resonates with contemporary issues. Deep Azure runs at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse until April 11, providing a compelling exploration of grief, justice, and artistic innovation.
