New Play ‘Duke & Roya’ Set to Premiere Off-Broadway This Summer

NEW YORK, March 21, 2025 – A new play titled ‘Duke & Roya,’ featuring Jay Ellis and Stephanie Nur, is set to premiere Off-Broadway this summer. Written by Charles Randolph-Wright, known for his work on Blue, the play will be directed by Warren Adams, who directed Superhero.

‘Duke & Roya’ is scheduled to run at the Lucille Lortel Theatre starting June 10, with its opening night set for June 24. It will have an 11-week run, offering audiences a poignant love story.

The narrative follows Duke, an American hip-hop star, and Roya, an Afghan interpreter, as they navigate their relationship amid the complexities of their distinct worlds, meeting in Kabul.

Ellis and Nur will be joined by Olivier Award winner Noma Dumezweni, known for her role in the original Broadway cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and appearances on Only Murders in the Building and Presumed Innocent. Dariush Kashani, recognized for his performances in Oslo and The Band's Visit, will also star in the play.

Ellis gained fame for his role as Lawrence in HBO‘s Insecure and recently starred in Mindy Kaling’s Netflix series Running Point, alongside appearances in Top Gun: Maverick. Nur is known for her roles in season one of Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ series Lioness and alongside Anthony Hopkins in the upcoming Netflix film Mary.

The production is backed by Get Lifted Film Co.’s John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius, along with producers Laura Ivey and Janet Brenner. They expressed their enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We’re thrilled to be producers on ‘Duke & Roya’ – a daring and provocative work of art that is filled with humanity, compassion, and love. Jay Ellis and Stephanie Nur are exceptionally talented actors, and we’re so excited to present this play to New York audiences this summer.”