Love, Fame, and Fate: Kareem Fahmy’s “Dodi & Diana” Makes Regional Debut at theREP

ALBANY (April 13) — Capital Repertory Theatre continues its acclaimed 2025-26 season with the regional premiere of “Dodi & Diana,” the tense and captivating new play by Kareem Fahmy, whose work has twice been featured in theREP’s Next Act New Play Summit. Running Tuesday, April 28 through Sunday, May 17, this intimate and engrossing exploration of love, power, and fate comes to theREP following its world premiere at Colt Coeur in New York City.

“Dodi & Diana” follows the marriage of Jason, a white Wall Street banker, and Samira, an actress of Egyptian descent. Their relationship is tested when Samira achieves sudden fame after a controversial television role as an Islamic terrorist. An astrologer advises the couple to check into the Hôtel Ritz Paris on the anniversary of the death of another famous interracial couple, Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed. As they await a cosmic convergence that may determine their future, a smart, steamy dance of intimacy and tension unfolds.

The New Yorker praises the play as “A tense, engrossing, and astute study of the mysteries of a marriage,” while Theatremania calls it “A needed corrective to a sexist fairytale.”

The cast of “Dodi & Diana” features Shaun Anthony as Jason and Jessica Damouni as Samira. Anthony was most recently seen as Don Caspar in Anna Ziegler’s “Photograph 51” and other theatre credits include productions at Berkshire Theatre Group, The Geffen Playhouse, Ensemble Theatre Company, Colony Theatre, Circle X, A Noise Within, Shakespeare OC, and Milwaukee Rep. Damouni is an Australian-American actress who originated the role of Khady Salama in another Kareen Fahmy production, “American Fast” at Artists Repertory Theatre. She also has TV and film credits in “God Friended Me,” Platonic,” “Inspector Ike,” “Salam,” and others.

Directed by Michael John Garcés, with scenic design by Misha Kachman, lighting and projections by Tom Ontiveros, costume design by Debra Kim Sivigny, and sound design by Bryn Scharenberg. Christa Marie Jackson will be in attendance as intimacy coordinator and fight choreographer, and Barbara Rubin as dialect coach. Shayne David Cameris serves as production stage manager, with Michaela Savoie as assistant stage manager.

Previews for “Dodi & Diana” are Friday April 24 through Sunday, April 26, with opening night Tuesday, April 28. Performances are scheduled through Sunday, May 17.

“Dodi & Diana” promises an intimate and provocative theatrical experience — a production that delves into love, identity, and the pressures of public scrutiny. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at Proctors 12-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at (518) 346-6204, or visit attherep.org. The 2025-26 season at theREP is sponsored by Overit. Groups of 10 or more can call (518) 382-3884, ext. 139.

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Special nights:

Special nights: Opening Night — Tuesday, April 28
Includes complimentary pre-show champagne toast and pastries from Bella Napoli.

Chef’s Table — 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by a local restaurant.

ASL Performance — 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9
This performance features sign language interpreters. To request access to the designated seating section, please call the Box Office at (518) 346-6204.

Thirsty Thursday — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14
Enjoy tasting samples from local cideries, breweries, or wineries.

Behind the Scenes — 1 p.m. Sunday, May 17
12:30 p.m., complimentary coffee and pastry from Cider Belly Donuts before the pre-show discussion of “Dodi & Diana” hosted by Producing Artistic Director Miriam Weisfeld. This special conversation is free and open to the public.