The Guards at the Taj
by Rajiv Joseph
Produced by Stage West Theatre
Reviewed by David Ellivloc
You should definitely see Stage West Theatre’s Guards At The Taj, but definitely don’t go expecting insight into your first world problems, such as finding a decent parking spot at the mall or getting the barista to correctly write your name on your Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso. The mid-17th Century world of the guards at the Taj Mahal, Humayun and Babur, is one where they, and the overwhelming majority of everyone else, are all about continuing to live, eat regularly and live indoors.
For Humayun and Babur, as played by Rahul Joshi and Dhruv Ravi respectively, there are almost no other problems of consequence. Certainly, Joshi’s Humayun does long for his father’s respect and would love for his bestie Ravi’s Babur to show up and shut up–on time, as they stand guard. It’s the heartfelt fear and frustration of Joshi’s Humayun that he’ll never see either of these that drives most of the comedy in the early scenes, which is laugh out-loud funny.
Whereas Joshi’s Humayun is the worrier, Ravi’s Babur is the dynamo in this dynamic duo, bouncing up and down and all-around as inventions and dreams pop into his head and words simultaneously pour out of his mouth, which brings up one problem we have in all worlds. Not failing to filter a froofy coffee drink, but failing to filter the thoughts and opinions we share with others. Although, the consequences in the first world are vastly different from those faced by Humayun and Babur in their world, where saying the wrong thing will get them physically jailed or killed dead, and not merely sent to Facebook jail, or “canceled” on Twitter. As aggravated and exasperated as Humayun is by the loose lips and boundless energy of Babur, along with Babur’s lack of respect for their job, you can clearly see the deep love, affection, concern, and respect that each of them has for the other.
The chemistry between Joshi and Ravi makes for a fine comradary between Humayun and Babur. The delight and wonderment that Joshi’s Humayun has for Babur’s inventions, as well as his own tortured efforts to invent, are marvelous fun to watch and adds another deep, rich color to their relationship. While the complete trust that Ravi’s Babur has in Joshi’s Humayun seems earned from lifelong experience. Watching the two novice guards, both lowest in the pecking order and doomed to be given all the worst jobs, as they scheme and dream about advancing in the ranks is compelling, forcing one to watch and worry as they trod a winding path forward.
The key turning point in the play comes when the two friends are tasked with an almost unimaginable duty. Their refusal to accept would mean death and disaster and their struggle within themselves, and with each other, is painful to watch. While we are spared seeing that take place on stage, we do see them deal with the aftermath.
It is in this scene– one that must be beyond difficult to play, that Joshi and Ravi amaze! Throughout the performance, Director Shyama Nithiananda has both actors, again the only two actors in the play, moving set pieces and props and managing the scene changes within each act. To profound effect, as the actors prepare themselves, as well as the stage for this shocking scene, Nithiananda has directed each actor to pour a bucket of “blood” over themselves while on stage before beginning the scene. It’s thrilling to see Joshi and Ravi as they transition into the scene right in front of us, covering themselves in “blood,” just as Humayun and Babur have done by choosing to do their occupational obligations. The viscous awfulness of the “blood” is clearly visible and, as it slowly cascades down the actors faces and bodies, it also drowns the audience in the dreadfulness of what these characters have done.
The Guards At The Taj speaks volumes on devotion, duty and the survival of both! Rajiv Joseph has written a challenging play and Director Nithiananda uses compelling staging with excellent performances by Joshi and Ravi, together in this thought-provoking drama. This is one that simply must not be missed! Tickets available at stagewest.org
Accessible seating: Yes
Hearing Devices Available: Yes
Sensory Friendly Showing: No
Audience Rating: R due to blood, violence, mature content
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Know About: Yes, one simulated amputation and simulation of many severed limbs
See you at the theater!
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