Guards at the Taj

September 26 — November 4, 2018
Stiemke Studio

Approximate Running Time: 1hr and 25 minutes with no intermission
Recommended Age: 12 and Up

The Stiemke Studio Season is Presented by:
Ed Seaberg & Patrick Smith and Four-Four Foundation, Inc.

Executive Producer 
Robert Burrell


GRIPPING HISTORICAL DARK COMEDY

Set in 1648 India this “ingenious piece of theater” (Washington Post), by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, explores the friendship of two imperial guards.

At dawn a new edifice representing the soaring power of the empire will be unveiled, the glorious Taj Mahal. But for the two guards assigned to protect the palace, morning brings them an unspeakable task that will shake their faith in God, the empire and their lifelong friendship. This boldly funny and deeply moving play examines the true meaning of beauty and the cost of transcendence in a world that confuses the value of both.

Please note that this production contains blood and violence. This can be distressing and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Artists
Headshot photo of
Owa’Aìs Azeem*
Babur
Headshot photo of
Yousof Sultani*
Hamayun
Headshot photo of
Rajiv Joseph
Playwright
Headshot photo of
Brent Hazelton
Director

Scott Davis
Scenic Designer
Alison Siple
Costume Designer
Noele Stollmack
Lighting Designer
Barry G. Funderburg
Sound Design and Composition
Blake Dava
Fight Director/Captain
Prasenjit Neel Guptasarma
Dramaturg
Frank Honts
Casting Director
Richelle Harrington Calin*
Stage Manager
Kaitlyn Kitzmiller*
Stage Manager
Kira Neighbors
Stage Management Fellow
Ismael Lara
Assistant Director

* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Resources

Enjoy these resources to enhance your experience:

Features
Owas and Yousif talk 'Guards at the Taj'
'Guards at the Taj' at the Milwaukee Rep
Interview with Jim Guy on a 'bloody' good play

"A PIERCING EXAMINATION OF THE NATURE OF BEAUTY, ITS RELATIONSHIP TO POWER, AND ITS UNSPEAKABLE COSTS" – CHICAGO READER • GUARDS AT THE TAJ BEGINS SEPTEMBER 26
MEDIA RELEASE:

Reviews
"Exceptionally acted and brilliantly designed" and "impressive."
“Beautifully crafted and extremely moving… impeccable timing.”
"Extraordinary yet believable special effects…the actors handle the play and its enormous physical demands with genuine commitment."
"An engrossing and well-performed piece that will stick with you."
Photos
Repertory Theater presents Guards at the Taj in the Stiemke Studio September 26 – November 4, 2018. Left to Right: Owa’Aìs Azeem and Yousof Sultani. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents Guards at the Taj in the Stiemke Studio September 26 – November 4, 2018. Left to Right: Yousof Sultani and Owa’Aìs Azeem. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents Guards at the Taj in the Stiemke Studio September 26 – November 4, 2018 featuring Yousof Sultani. Photo by Michael Brosilow. 
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents Guards at the Taj in the Stiemke Studio September 26 – November 4, 2018. Left to Right: Yousof Sultani and Owa’Aìs Azeem. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents Guards at the Taj in the Stiemke Studio September 26 – November 4, 2018. Left to Right: Yousof Sultani and Owa’Aìs Azeem. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents Guards at the Taj in the Stiemke Studio September 26 – November 4, 2018. Left to Right: Yousof Sultani and Owa’Aìs Azeem. Photo by Michael Brosilow.