The Art House Presents
About
A lifelong friendship is tested when two ordinary men are ordered to do the unthinkable.
The Art House Presents
Guards at The Taj
Written by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Bali Padda
A National Theatre of Parramatta Production
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
Encore Members will receive a complimentary Cheese Box with a selection of cheeses, biscuits, and dip. This is available to all patrons by pre-order at a price of $12.00 per box.
Encore Members may also bring a friend for free as an exclusive additional perk for this show only. Please call the Box Office to have your complimentary seat allocated.
Cast and Creatives
CREATIVES
Playwright: Rajiv Joseph
Director / Tour Producer: Bali Padda
With performers
Akkshey Caplash
Idam Sondhi
Production Designer: James Browne
Sound Designer: Me-Lee Hay
Lighting Designer: Kate Baldwin
Stage Manager: Caitie Murphy
Production Manager: D. Andrew Potvin
Fight Choreographer: Scott Witt
Image Credits: Noni Carroll
About National Theatre of Parramatta
Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta (NTofP) is creating and presenting transformative and inspirational professional theatre experiences that reflect the world around us and the diversity that is contemporary Australia. Producing theatre that resonates with our audiences is the core of our work. Producing theatre that resonates with our audiences is the core of our work.
We commission, create, produce, present and tour work. We are committed to capacity building and nurturing talent by providing opportunities for theatre practitioners both on and off stage to develop their craft. We are creating communities, access, visibility and infrastructure that supports and builds capacity for performance in our region and beyond.
Awards
Sydney Theatre Award Nomination – Best Newcomer AKKSHEY CAPLASH – 2022
Australian Production Design Guild Award Nomination – James Browne – 2022
