All Of It Podcast Summary: "New Play Explores Love & Hip Hop Amid The Afghan War"

Release Date: July 9, 2025 | Host: Alison Stewart | Source: WNYC

Introduction

In this compelling episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the spotlight shines on the groundbreaking new play "Duke and Roya". This production delves deep into the intersecting worlds of love, hip hop, and the tumultuous backdrop of the Afghan War, offering a nuanced exploration of race, class, and gender dynamics. Running at the Lucille Lortel Theater until August 24th, "Duke and Roya" has captivated audiences with its heartfelt narrative and powerful performances.

Overview of "Duke and Roya"

"Duke and Roya" narrates the poignant love story between Duke, a braggadocious American hip hop star, and Roya, a no-nonsense Afghan interpreter stationed at a US military base in Afghanistan. The play juxtaposes Duke's larger-than-life persona with Roya's grounded and resilient character, set against the harrowing realities of a war zone. As their relationship blossoms, the narrative unravels complex themes such as cultural identity, personal authenticity, and the sacrifices made for love.

Behind the Scenes: Insights from the Cast and Crew

Director Warren Adams on Crafting the Story

Director Warren Adams shares his inspiration behind "Duke and Roya," emphasizing the centrality of the love story amidst the war-torn setting. At [03:06], Adams states:

"At its core, 'Duke and Roya' is a love story... it's really about two people, and we get to discover them through their relationship and the world they're trying to navigate."

Adams highlights the collaborative process with the lead actors, Jay Ellis and Stephanie Knurr, and the importance of maintaining a balance between the play's serious themes and moments of levity. The director praises the creative team, including designers Mina Alexander and Taylor Williams, for their adept use of lighting and sound to seamlessly transition between different scenes without cluttering the stage.

Jay Ellis as Duke: Embracing Vulnerability

Actor Jay Ellis, renowned for his roles in Insecure and Running Point, portrays Duke with a blend of arrogance and underlying vulnerability. Reflecting on his character, Ellis explains at [05:12]:

"There's this braggadocious kind of energy in Duke, but he's actually very aware beneath that mask... Through his interactions with Roya, we peel away the layers to reveal who he really is."

Ellis discusses the challenge of embodying a rapper both on and off stage, mentioning his initial fears of forgetting lyrics but ultimately finding joy in the musical aspects of the role. He adds:

"It's a challenge, but it's a lot of fun... Being able to perform musically is something I very much want to do."

Stephanie Knurr as Roya: Breaking Cultural Barriers

Stephanie Knurr, known for her role in Lioness, brings depth to Roya, a character who defies traditional gender roles by masquerading as a boy to pursue education—a practice known as Baeposh. At [05:17], Knurr shares:

"Roya is part of a cultural practice where a daughter is chosen to live as a boy to gain education. Portraying her was an honor, and learning Dari added another layer to the role."

Knurr speaks to the emotional and technical aspects of her performance, appreciating the mentorship from her fellow actors and the opportunity to explore complex gender dynamics on stage.

Exploring Themes: Masks and Authenticity

A recurring motif in "Duke and Roya" is the concept of masks—both literal and metaphorical—that the characters wear to navigate their respective worlds. At [18:03], Ellis draws a parallel to W.E.B. Du Bois' idea of the "double consciousness," emphasizing how both Duke and Roya shed their facades to reveal their true selves:

"Both characters come in with their masks, and as they connect, those masks peel away, revealing their authentic selves."

This theme resonates deeply, encouraging audiences to reflect on their own personas and the barriers they erect in their daily lives.

Balancing Love and Conflict

Director Adams discusses the delicate balance between the intimate love story and the surrounding conflict at [13:37]:

"I focused on the love story because everything else is what people would expect... The driving force is the love story, and everything else is just the backdrop."

This approach ensures that while the play addresses heavy topics like war and cultural clashes, the heart of the narrative remains the evolving relationship between Duke and Roya.

Audience Reception and Impact

Both actors and the director express immense satisfaction with the audience's response. At [21:24], Jay Ellis remarks:

"The audience is fully engaged for two hours, experiencing a range of emotions—from laughter to heartbreak—while also reflecting on societal issues."

Stephanie Knurr adds at [24:29]:

"We've had people from various demographics relate to our characters and even seek out books and historical facts mentioned in the play."

The play has successfully sparked conversations about empathy, cultural understanding, and the multifaceted nature of human relationships.

Notable Quotes

• Warren Adams [03:06]: "At its core, 'Duke and Roya' is a love story... it's really about two people, and we get to discover them through their relationship and the world they're trying to navigate."

• Jay Ellis [05:12]: "There's this braggadocious kind of energy in Duke, but he's actually very aware beneath that mask... Through his interactions with Roya, we peel away the layers to reveal who he really is."

• Stephanie Knurr [05:17]: "Roya is part of a cultural practice where a daughter is chosen to live as a boy to gain education. Portraying her was an honor, and learning Dari added another layer to the role."

• Jay Ellis [18:03]: "Both characters come in with their masks, and as they connect, those masks peel away, revealing their authentic selves."

• Stephanie Knurr [24:42]: "If one person leaves the theater and Google something that we've mentioned or even what happened in Afghanistan... it's the point of art."

Conclusion

"Duke and Roya" emerges as a poignant exploration of love amidst chaos, skillfully intertwining personal narratives with broader socio-political themes. Through stellar performances by Jay Ellis and Stephanie Knurr, guided by Warren Adams' insightful direction, the play not only entertains but also educates and inspires its audience. By fostering empathy and sparking meaningful dialogue, "Duke and Roya" exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling in reflecting and shaping societal perspectives.

For those eager to experience this compelling narrative firsthand, "Duke and Roya" is currently running at the Lucille Lortel Theater with matinees available on Thursdays. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this thought-provoking and emotionally resonant production.