LEVY LEE SIMON  - Bio

Levy Lee Simon is an award-winning playwright, director, actor, screenwriter, and author whose work is distinguished by its emotional depth, historical resonance, and fearless engagement with issues of identity, culture, and social justice. A graduate of the prestigious University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop (MFA), Simon has developed a powerful voice in American theater, with more than 50 stage productions to his credit across the United States and beyond.

Born in Harlem, New York, Simon brings a rich cultural perspective to his storytelling, often illuminating the complexities of the African American experience through layered characters and compelling narratives. His work seamlessly blends history with contemporary relevance, giving voice to stories that are both deeply personal and broadly universal. Whether exploring the legacy of revolution, the fragility of relationships, or the search for truth and redemption, Simon’s writing is marked by its honesty, urgency, and humanity.

He is perhaps best known for his acclaimed Haitian Trilogy—Toussaint, Dessalines, and Christophe—an ambitious and powerful exploration of the Haitian Revolution and its leaders. The trilogy earned Simon multiple NAACP Best Playwright nominations and an Ovation Award nomination for Best Full-Length Play, solidifying his reputation as a playwright of historical significance and artistic excellence.

Among his many celebrated works are The Bow Wow Club, which received the Lorraine Hansberry Award for Best Full-Length Play; Same Train, honored with the OOBR Award for Best Play; The Stuttering Preacher, recognized as one of the Best Plays of 2006 by Theatre Yearbook; and The Guest at Central Park West, which garnered Audelco Awards for Best Playwright and Dramatic Production of the Year. Each of these works reflects Simon’s commitment to telling stories that challenge, inspire, and resonate with diverse audiences.

In addition to his achievements as a playwright, Simon is an accomplished director and actor, bringing a holistic understanding of theater-making to his work. His productions are known for their dynamic staging, strong performances, and commitment to authenticity. He was a cast member in the Tony Nominated, Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway Production of The Kentucky Cycle, and was nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actor,’ in the Denver Center Production of, In the Upper Room by Beaufield Berry, plus more than 60 acting credits Off Broadway, regional and England. Levy Lee was also featured in his film production and stage production of, The Last Revolutionary. He is a proud member of the Actors Studio Playwright/Directors Unit, the Robey Theatre Company, and the Tent Playwrights Collective — organizations that reflect his dedication to artistic community and excellence.

Throughout his career, Levy Lee Simon has remained committed to creating theater that matters—work that not only entertains but also provokes thought, sparks dialogue, and reflects the complexities of the world we live in. His voice continues to be a vital force in contemporary American theater, bridging past and present while inspiring future generations of artists and audiences alike.