Riverside’s National Theatre of Parramatta presents
GUARDS AT THE TAJ
By Rajiv Joseph
An exploration of beauty and power, autocracy and resistance, and conflicting loyalties, featuring a heartbreakingly funny and relatable friendship tested, and broken, by extreme and brutal circumstances.
Humayun and Babur are best friends, and guards in Hindustani ruler Shah Jahan’s Imperial Army. They bicker, reminisce about jungle escapades and have the dubious privilege of standing guard over the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s epic tribute to his dead wife, the night before it is revealed to the world as the most potent and powerful personification of beauty.
Humayun, sternly loyal second generation civil servant, is content to follow orders, even when the Emperor, determined that no object more beautiful than the Taj Mahal should ever be built again.
Please Note:
This performance contains course language and adult themes and is recommended for ages 15+
This performance has a lockout period and latecomers will be allowed in at the first appropriate moment in the show.
The Thursday 11 November 7:30pm performance will be Audio Described
*Please contact Box Office directly for group bookings of 8 or more, email boxoffice_riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au or call 8839 3399.
Please Note:
Tickets to this event are sold to 100% of capacity. All Riverside patrons will be seated in line with current NSW Public Health guidelines, allowing patrons to be seated alongside each other. NSW Health strongly recommends you wear a mask when you are inside places where it is difficult to keep 1.5 metres distance from other people.
Please note that NSW Health regularly updates areas where there may be concerns regarding potential case transmission of COVID-19. Prior to attending your performance, we suggest patrons check the latest Case Alert Updates from Health NSW and follow the instructions regarding Close Contacts and requirements for self-isolation and/or COVID testing as stipulated by Health NSW and the current NSW Public Health Orders. Please note that patrons who have visited any identified alert area must NOT attend public performances or gatherings of any type. If you have any questions and would like to discuss this with a member of our team, please contact our Box Office staff on 02 8839 3399 or email BoxOffice_Riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Riverside Theatres is registered with the NSW Government as a COVID Safe venue. Our COVID Safe plan was developed in line with federal and state government health guidelines, and following consultation with Live Performance Australia, other NSW venues, and various government bodies, on enhanced health, hygiene and safety measures. These measures include: defined audience capacity; social distancing; wearing face masks; mandatory Service NSW QR code registration check in; extra cleaning; increased sanitisation of high-touch surfaces; the provision of hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes and hand washing facilities throughout the venue; traffic management plans to alleviate congestion in public spaces.
Please review our Patron Safety Information before you visit us at Riverside.
It is also important that if you are unwell you stay at home. We have updated our ticket conditions and our Box Office team are available to talk through possible exchange and refund options. You can contact the Box Office on 02 8839 3399 or email BoxOffice_Riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Thank you for keeping our community safe.



Writer Rajiv Joseph
Director Bali Padda