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Photo Credit: John McLellan
Pratidhwani and ArtsWest
Present
GUARDS AT THE TAJ
Directed by Samip Raval
Sept 12th - Oct 6th.
(Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30, Sun at 3pm)
Performed at ArtsWest
4711 California Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116
Starring
Sumant Gupta and Varun Kainth
Live Music Performed by
Sampada Bhalerao (Sitar) and Jayant Bhopatkar (Tabla)
In 1648 India, two Imperial Guards watch from their post as the sun rises for the first time on the newly-completed Taj Mahal—an event that shakes their respective worlds. When they are ordered to perform an unthinkable task, the aftermath forces them to question the concepts of friendship, beauty, and duty, and changes them forever. GUARDS AT THE TAJ is one of Pulitzer Prize Finalist Rajiv Joseph’s seminal works.
Guards at the Taj won both the Obie Award for Best New American Play, and the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play in 2016.
“Absorbing…GUARDS AT THE TAJ raises potent questions about the human price paid throughout history for the caprices of the mighty, even when they result in architectural wonders that ultimately give pleasure to the masses.” —The New York Times
“Rajiv Joseph gives us plenty to admire in his play…He hooks us quickly. He surprises with tonal shifts, jumping from The Odd Couple breezy to Game of Thrones ghastly. He creates compelling and sympathetic characters.” —New York Daily News
THE OPTION OF FLOOR SEATING
Enjoy an immersive experience in the Indian tradition by witnessing the show from a gau takiya, a cushioned floor seat, along with the musicians. The Floor Seating option for this presentation provides you with an option to get out of the theatre seats, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the show from the same level as the artists. This limited option is general admission. “Nearly all (Indian classical) musical recitals involved musicians, as well as listeners, sitting at the same ground level (not separated by a stage). Musicians thought this the best way to get maximum audience interaction and eye-contact, a vital part of an Indian classical recital, whereby the performer can receive continuous inspiration and appreciation.” (Jameela Siddiqi, Danbar.org). When the audience shares the floor as the performer, the audience in a most subtle way is invited to become a part of the story, to become a part of the character’s life. Removing your shoes is an option, but not a requirement. Please contact the box office if you have any additional questions. Only 8 floor seats available each performance.
