Deep Azure
In this ‘relentlessly imaginative’ UK premiere (★★★★ The Stage), the late Academy Award and BAFTA-nominated actor and writer Chadwick Boseman reveals the roots of his artistry — shaped by Shakespeare and driven by the rhythms of Hip-Hop.
When her fiancé, Deep, is killed by the police, Azure’s world falls apart. As grief spirals, and her eating disorder tightens its grip, Azure searches for control in a world that no longer makes sense. With Deep’s friends Roshad and Tone beside her — and the Heavenly MCs of Street Knowledge watching — she fights to survive the aftermath.
Inspired by the murder of Boseman’s friend Prince Jones, Deep Azure transforms personal loss into something ‘undeniably poetic… a rich blend of hip-hop, song and verse’ (The Guardian). Hip-Hop becomes chorus. Rhythm becomes ritual. Language becomes pulse. The result is theatre that is lyrical, physical and spiritually charged.
‘A tantalising glimpse of Boseman’s writing talent’ (Financial Times), this 2005 play reveals Boseman as a bold and distinctive theatrical voice.
Staged in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, and directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, New Diorama/Royal Court/Apollo) in his Globe debut, this is a powerful meeting of Black American and Black British experience in the place where language has always mattered most.
‘The eye not only inspects, it projects’
This play contains the use of racist and offensive language and references to violence, racism, police brutality and eating disorders. Please contact the Ticketing team on 020 7401 9919 or [email protected] if you would like further details on the play’s content.
DETAILS
TICKETS
Seated £83–£33*
*includes a £3 per order transaction fee
Standing £10, £5
RUSH TICKETS
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This event is on-site in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Running time approximately 2 hours 50 minutes, including a 20 minute interval
Terms and conditions
All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, and cannot be sat separately.
Photography: Courtney Nathan Phillip
Art Direction: Studio Doug
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Find assisted performances for this event and explore our provisions for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people below.
Reviews
★★★★★
‘A marvel to behold… a clever coalescence of hip-hop and Shakespearean verse.’
THE UPCOMING
★★★★
‘Extraordinary. Incredibly thoughtful, beautifully acted’
WHATSONSTAGE
★★★★
‘Relentlessly imaginative’
THE STAGE
★★★★
‘Complex…richly layered. This play feels important.’
AFRIDIZIAK
Photos, Videos & Blogs
Designing Deep Azure
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse has been transformed into ‘The Church of Metamorphosis’ for this UK premiere.
Discover MoreCAST & CREATIVES
Singer/ Ensemble
Aaron Alexander
Beatboxer/ Ensemble
Nadine Rose Johnson
Beatboxer/ Ensemble
Khai Shaw
Singer/ Ensemble
Khalil Madovi
Associate Director
Marley-Rose Liburd
Associate Movement Director
Hanna Dimtsu
Candlelight Designer
Azusa Ono
Casting Associate
Alice Walters
Casting Director
Becky Paris CDG
Co-Composer
Conrad Murray
Co-Composer
John Pfumojena
Designer
Paul Wills
Dialect
Aundrea Fudge
Director
Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu
Dramaturg and Cultural Consultant
Somebody Jones
Fight Director
Sam Lyon-Behan
Intimacy Director
Raniah Al-Sayed
Movement Director
Tanaka Bingwa
Rehearsal Co-Musical Director
Conrad Murray
Rehearsal Co-Musical Director
John Pfumojena
Voice
John Pfumojena
Writer
Chadwick Boseman
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ACCESS
Our Access Scheme offers additional information on suitable seating, and adjusted ticket pricing for audience members with access needs.
Explore the assisted performances for this event below. We also provide Access Resources for Audio Described and Relaxed performances. These will be added in time for the first of each of those access performances and will be available for all performances after that date.
Assisted Performances for Deep Azure
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Dates & Tickets
Deep Azure
A £3 per order transaction fee applies to all seated tickets.