What happens to a life-long friendship when two ordinary men are ordered to do the unthinkable?
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.
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.
'...touching, funny and potent.... a captivating exploration of how far friendship can be pushed and the tension between duty and humanity.' City Hub
★★★★½ John Shand, The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★ Artshub
A Chatswood Culture Bites event.
Content warning: This production includes the use of blood, theatre haze coarse language, and simulated violence. Recommended for ages 14+.
Playwright Rajiv Joseph
Director Bali Padda
With
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
Executive Producer – National Theatre of Parramatta Joanne Kee
Tour Producer – National Theatre of Parramatta Rachael Adamson
Producer National Theatre of Parramatta