Guards at the Taj

Written by Rajiv Joseph. Directed by Bali Padda.

What happens to a lifelong friendship when two ordinary men are given an unthinkable order?

Following its acclaimed 2022 season, National Theatre of Parramatta’s Guards at the Taj returns to The Joan as part of its national tour.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), this darkly comic and heart-wrenching play has captivated critics and audiences alike.

Set against the backdrop of the grand unveiling of the Taj Mahal, the story explores beauty, power, autocracy, resistance, and the toll of conflicting loyalties. As two soldiers face an unimaginable command, their deep friendship is pushed to its breaking point.

ABOUT THE SHOW

At the grand opening of the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful building in the world, 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.

The guards are best friends. Humayun is a loyal civil servant with complete trust in the authorities, while Babur is a dreamer, and deeply distressed by the order that has been bestowed upon them. He plans a revenge that will put these two best friends at odds, setting the stage for a heartrending conflict.

Featuring a heartbreakingly funny friendship put to the ultimate test and existential banter reminiscent of Beckett and Stoppard, Guards at the Taj mixes witty black comedy with the bloodiest deeds of Greek tragedy.

This is a production not to be missed.

Audience Information
Suitable for ages 14+. This production includes the use of blood, theatre haze, coarse language and simulated violence.

If Guards at the Taj raises any concerns for you following the performance, Lifeline offers a 24 hour counselling service and can be reached at 13 11 14. Additional information can be found on their website, www.lifeline.org.au. Other services which may be of assistance include mental health advocacy organisation, Beyond Blue (www.beyondblue.org.au, 1300 224 636) or speak to your local GP or trusted source.

Duration: 90 minutes (No interval)