DUKE & ROYA
by Charles Randolph-Wright
Directed by Warren Adams
Performances through August 2, 2025
Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street
Producers Laura Ivey, Janet Brenner, Smada Media, and Get Lifted Film Co.’s John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius are pleased to announce the New York premiere of Duke & Roya by acclaimed playwright Charles Randolph-Wright (Blue) and directed by Warren Adams.
The cast features Jay Ellis (Top Gun: Maverick, “Insecure”), Stephanie Nur (“Lioness,” “1883”), Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Noma Dumezweni (“Only Murders in The Building,” Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and Dariush Kashani (Oslo, The Band’s Visit).
A bold new play about romance, identity, and culture, Duke & Roya tells the resilient love story of when Duke, an American hip-hop superstar, meets a fearless Afghan interpreter, Roya, in the heart of war-torn Kabul. They learn to navigate the stark realities of their worlds—his of global fame, hers of survival—through a romantic relationship that challenges their beliefs, risks their safety, and redefines what it means to fight for love. Led by Jay Ellis and Stephanie Nur, Duke & Roya explores high-stakes romance and the choices we make.
Duke & Roya is produced by Tony Award winners Laura Ivey and Janet Brenner, alongside Smada Media and Get Lifted Film Co.’s Emmy and Tony Award winner Mike Jackson, Emmy® Award winner Ty Stiklorius, and EGOT winner John Legend. General Management is by TT Partners.
Tickets will be on sale at www.dukeandroya.com and lortel.org or in person at the box office.