Following its celebrated 2022 season, don’t miss your chance to experience National Theatre of Parramatta’s Guards at the Taj – returning to the stage at The Joan on Friday 4 October 7.30pm and Saturday 5 October 2pm as part of its national tour.
Penned by Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph (known for Broadway’s Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), this heartbreakingly humorous play is, a powerful blend of dark comedy and drama that has received critical acclaim including winning both the 2016 Obie Award and the 2016 Lucille Lortel Awards for Best Play.
An exploration of beauty and power, autocracy and resistance, and of conflicting loyalties, the show explores what becomes of a lifelong friendship when two ordinary men are commanded to do the unthinkable. Audiences are invited to join two soldiers on a harrowing journey where friendship is tested to its very limits during the grand unveiling of the Taj Mahal.
ABOUT THE SHOW
At the grand opening of the Taj Mahal—the most magnificent building in the world—the Emperor decrees that no greater beauty shall ever be created again. To enforce this, he orders two imperial guards to carry out an unspeakable act.
Humayun, a loyal civil servant, unquestioningly accepts his duty. His best friend Babur, a dreamer and a man with a conscience, is tormented by the horrific order. As Babur contemplates a plan for revenge, the two find themselves on opposite sides, setting the stage for a heartrending conflict.
This is a production not to be missed.
★★★★½
“It’s not just that directorial debuts don’t come any stronger than this, few productions of any sort do.”
– John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
“A great lie makes for dynamic and eventful storytelling, and a superb and entertaining ninety minute of live theatre.” Sydney Arts Guide
Dates and Times: Friday 4 October 7.30pm and Saturday 5 October 2pm
Suitable: Ages 14+.
Duration: 90 minutes