An audacious, funny and ever-surprising play about friendship, betrayal and power.
It’s crazy! Sixteen years in the making! Since we were kids, they’ve been building this!
Agra, India, 1648. The sun rises on the final day of construction of the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument the world has ever seen. Imperial Guards and best friends Babur and Humayun must once again follow the Emperor’s orders, and resist the temptation to steal a glimpse.
But as morning’s first light touches the pure white domes, the urge is too strong, and Babur and Humayun are about to discover that beauty comes at a terrible price.
Directed by 2024’s recipient of the JMK Award, Adam Karim; Designer Roisin Jenner; Lighting Designer Elliot Griggs; Composer Xana; Sound designer Niraj Chag and Casting Director Matilda James CDG.
Cast:
Usaamah Ibraheem Hussain as Babur, credits include Peanut Butter & Blueberries (Kiln Theatre), Brown Boys Swim (Soho Theatre) and Coram Boy (Nottingham Playhouse).
Maanuv Thiara plays Humayun. His stage credits include Boys on the Verge of Tears (Soho Theatre), The Cherry Orchard (The Yard Theatre), The Father and the Assassin (National Theatre), Mismatch, Boys Who Cry (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Love N Stuff (Sheffield Theatres, Oldham Coliseum), Disproportionately Affected: Collection 1 (TARA Theatre), The Invisible Hand, Approaching Empty (Kiln Theatre), Macbeth (Rabble Theatre) and The Funeral Director (Southwark Playhouse).
Listings
Guards at the Taj: 26 October – 16 November 2024
Performance Times
Mon – Sat 7.30pm (Wed 30 Oct at 7pm)
Thu & Sat 2.30pm (from Thu 31 Oct)
Venue: Orange Tree Theatre:1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA
Further Information & Tickets: Guards at the Taj - Orange Tree Theatre