DUKE & ROYA Reviews

[1 Minute Critic]

Posted: 6/25/25 at 11:11am

Jay Ellis and Stephanie Nur navigate war-torn romance in Duke & Roya
Playwright Charles Randolph-Wright and director Warren Adams owe much of the play’s success to its two charismatic stars: Jay Ellis as the flirtatious and cocky rapper Duke, and Stephanie Nur as his uptight translator Roya. 

Referencing James Baldwin and Rumi as a literary bridge between the two worlds, it’s easy to forget that the playwright also has a way with words. In speaking about her country’s perception of war, Roya says, “You go to war. War comes to us.”—a palpable message given recent developments in the Middle East. Full review at 1minutecritic.com

 

 

 

[MezzA101]

Posted: 6/25/25 at 11:54am

‘Duke & Roya’ Review: He’s Got Swagger, She’s No-Nonsense

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/theater/duke-roya-review-jay-ellis.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Rk8.X6w-.9Vapv8Pw-r6L&smid=nytcore-android-share