Century of Black Theater Making | Hieroglyphic Graffiti by Chadwick Boseman

Join us for an evening in honor of actor and educator Chadwick Boseman (1976 - 2020), featuring a historic reading of his play Hieroglyphic Graffiti as part of the Schomburg Center’s centennial series, A Century of Black Theater Making. Boseman was a cherished acting instructor for the Schomburg Center’s Junior Scholars Program between 2002 and 2009.

The reading will be directed by NSangou Njikam, a hip-hop theater enthusiast who was part of the original cast, bringing a unique authenticity and deep connection to this staging. Blending classical mythology with contemporary culture, Hieroglyphic Graffiti is described as a modern hip-hop retelling of the ancient Osirian Resurrection myth. Boseman’s creative brilliance reimagines ancient Egyptian mythological figures within a modern-day Washington, D.C. setting.

The program will be followed by a conversation highlighting Boseman's artistic vision and impact, with director NSangou Njikam, actress and producer Susan Kelechi Watson, Boseman's Howard University professor and mentor, Sybil Roberts Williams, Schomburg Junior Scholars instructor and sculptor, M. Scott Johnson, and others who knew Chadwick intimately. We are both his artistic vision and his lasting impact.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Accessibility requests can be made by e-mail [email protected].

NSangou Njikam (Director) is an acclaimed actor, playwright, director, and Hip Hop Theatre artist whose work has been developed and directed by figures like Chadwick Boseman and recognized with the 2025 AUDELCO Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. His notable writing credits include the plays A FREEKY INTRODUCTION, Syncing Ink, Re:Definition, When We Left parts 1 & 2, I.D., 21 STRINGS and he is one of seven writers of Hands Up: Seven Plays; Seven Testimonials. He has also written for Common on his project BlueBird Memories. Mr. Njikam’s work focuses mainly on identity stories and the empowerment of the human spirit by recognizing and embracing one’s personal gifts, utilizing Hip Hop theater, poetry, and West African performance aesthetics. He also aims to develop new, diverse and younger audiences by creating “theater of the now and for tomorrow.” He received his BFA in acting from Howard University. After tracing his roots to the Tikar people in Cameroon, West Africa, he was named NSangou by Sultan Ibrahim MBombo Njoya, 19th king of the Bamoun kingdom in Cameroon. He currently resides in New York.

A CENTURY OF BLACK THEATER MAKING SERIES

Beginning in the Harlem Renaissance, a series of Black theater companies emerged in New York City and were permitted to use the basement of the 135th St. Library (now the Schomburg Center) as their performance space. This practice continued through the mid 1940s. The American Negro Theatre, which is believed to be last company in residence at the 135th St. Library theater from 1940-1945, was one of the most influential Black theater companies of its time. The Schomburg Center’s new centennial program series, Century of Black Theater Making, explores a century of Black theater through conversations and readings of plays that are part of the Schomburg Center’s collection.

This year, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding! Century of Black Theater Making, organized by Schomburg Center's Public Program team and Librarian A.J. Muhammad, will spotlight selected plays from the Schomburg’s rich archives, offering a living connection to the voices, stories, and styles that have shaped Black theater across generations. Join us all year long for a wide array of special events, exhibitions, and more as we celebrate this milestone and continue the legacy of Arturo Schomburg.

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FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED Events are free and open to all, but due to space constraints registration is requested. Registered guests are given priority check-in 15 to 30 minutes before start time. After the event starts all registered seats are released regardless of registration, so we recommend that you arrive early. We generally overbook to ensure a full house.

GUESTS Please note that holding seats in the Langston Hughes Auditorium is strictly prohibited and there is no food or drinks allowed anywhere in the Schomburg Center.

ACCESSIBLILITY Accessibility requests can be made by e-mail [email protected].

E-TRANSPORTATION NYPL policy prohibits electric transportation devices (e.g., motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards) from being brought into or stored at library sites for any length of time, as this is the best way to keep our spaces & people safe.

AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING Programs are photographed and recorded by the Schomburg Center. Attending this event indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any all purposes of the New York Public Library.

PRESS Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Leah Drayton at [email protected].

Please note that personal and professional video recordings are prohibited without expressed consent.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, United States

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