Mixing witty black comedy with the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy, National Theatre of Parramatta brings Rajiv Joseph’s script to new life in a tour of Guards at the Taj throughout September and October.
A wonderfully funny and moving exploration of beauty and power, autocracy and resistance, and conflicting loyalties. Guards at the Taj centres on a hilariously relatable friendship that is tested by extreme and brutal circumstances.
Humayun and Babur are best friends, and guards in Hindustani ruler Shah Jahan’s Imperial Army. They bicker, reminisce about jungle escapades, and have the dubious privilege of standing guard over the Taj Mahal the night before it is revealed to the world as the most potent and powerful personification of beauty.
At the grand opening of the Taj Mahal, the Emperor decrees that nothing more beautiful shall ever be built again. To ensure this, he orders two imperial guards to perform a horrendous task.
“I’m incredibly excited to be bringing this remarkable story and production back to audiences” said Director Bali Padda. “Guards at the Taj was my professional directing debut back in 2022 and it feels amazing to be touring it to all the amazing venues and audiences around Australia.”
“I loved creating this production with NTofP and the exceptional creative team and cast. It was humbling, soul-fortifying, and slightly anxiety inducing. I can’t wait to bring Guards back to life with this hard-working and fabulous team so that audiences can soak it up again!”
Winner of the 2016 Obie Award for Best Play and the 2016 Lucille Lortel Winner for Best Play, Guards at the Taj is an exploration of beauty and power, autocracy and resistance, and of conflicting loyalties, where friendships are tested and broken by extreme circumstances.
“…touching, funny and potent…. a captivating exploration of how far friendship can be pushed and the tension between duty and humanity.” – City Hub
Director: Bali Padda | Featuring: Akkshey Caplash, Idam Sondhi | Set and Costume Designer: James Browne | Sound Designer: Me-Lee Hay | Lighting Designer: Kate Baldwin | Tour Producer: Rachael Adamson | Stage Manager: Caitie Murphy | Production Manager: D.Andrew Potvin | Fight Coordinator: Scott Witt
Guards at the Taj will be presented in Frankston (3 September), Chatswood (6 September), Wyong (10 September), Parramatta (12 – 14 September), Tamworth (17 – 18 September), Wollongong (19 – 21 September), Orange (27 September), Tamworth (28 September), Penrith (4 – 5 October) and Darwin (11 October). For more information, visit: www.nationaltheatreofparramatta.com.au for details.
Image: Guards at the Taj – photo by Noni Carroll Photography