Chadwick Boseman's Hidden Playwriting Legacy Comes to Light with UK Stage Debut
While the world mourned Chadwick Boseman as the iconic Black Panther upon his tragic death in 2020, few knew of his profound work as a playwright. Now, nearly six years after his passing, his 2005 play Deep Azure is making its highly anticipated UK debut at Shakespeare's Globe in London for a nine-week run. This production sheds light on a lesser-known facet of the actor's multifaceted career, revealing a deep commitment to social justice through art.
A Brother's Perspective on Boseman's Artistic Journey
In an exclusive interview, Boseman's brothers, Kevin and Derrick, who manage his estate, reflect on what this moment would have meant to him. "He was fulfilling his dream – Blackness was really close to his heart," says Derrick, emphasizing how Boseman's roles, from James Brown to Thurgood Marshall, prepared him for a life in the spotlight. Kevin adds, "He was such a consummate artist," noting his skills in singing, trumpet, and painting, which complemented his love for language honed on his high school speech and debate team.
The Inspiration Behind 'Deep Azure'
Written in 2005, Deep Azure is a hip-hop drama that blends rapping with Shakespearean lyricism, inspired by the real-life killing of Boseman's friend, Prince Jones, an unarmed Black man shot by an undercover police officer in 2000. Boseman penned the play while living in Brooklyn, grappling with grief and the broader issue of police brutality. "It took him a while to write it," Kevin explains, "he was wrestling with the grief of Prince Jones and also the general grief around police brutality and Black bodies, trying to make sense of it." The play premiered in Chicago in 2005 and has since gained relevance, with themes that resonate deeply in today's social climate.
Boseman's Advocacy and Lasting Impact
Throughout his life, Boseman was a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, using his platform to advocate for change. Derrick recalls, "In his last couple of weeks, there was a killing and he just looked at me and said, 'We have to do something.'" This passion extended to his playwriting, with Deep Azure serving as a critical step in his career, leading to his representation by agent Michael Greene after adapting it into a screenplay.
Family Grief and Public Legacy
The brothers also share the poignant experience of grieving a brother who became a global icon. Kevin notes that the pandemic provided a silver lining, allowing the family to mourn in isolation without immediate public intrusion. However, Derrick describes the constant reminders, from magazine covers to Netflix, as overwhelming. "It was like he wouldn't go away," he says, highlighting the bittersweet nature of Boseman's widespread fame.
Honoring a Humble Superstar
Despite the pain, the brothers cherish the privilege of caring for Boseman in his final months. Kevin reflects, "It really is one of the greatest privileges of my life to witness his transition and to help him through it." Boseman's legacy, they assert, extends beyond his films and plays to his curiosity and love for humanity. "He left an indelible mark on people's hearts," Kevin concludes, "and it's an honour to create opportunities for who he was to continue to inspire people."
Deep Azure runs at Shakespeare's Globe until 11 April 2026, directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, offering audiences a chance to experience Boseman's powerful storytelling firsthand.
