Bali Padda: Men, monuments and the Taj Mahal

Set in 16th century India, as the Taj Mahal is about to be unveiled after years of meticulous construction, two best friends stand guard at dawn and face an unimaginable task. This is the gripping premise of Guards at the Taj, directed by Bali Padda and written by Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph. Yet, at the heart of the play is neither the monument nor the era, but a profound friendship between two brown men. Bali Padda joins Dilpreet in the studio for an intimate conversation about the play's deeper themes and the bonds that drive it.

Returning for a national tour after its 2022 debut, Guards at the Taj explores beauty, power, autocracy, and resistance. Centered on a friendship that is put to the test and ultimately fractured by extreme and brutal circumstances, the play is set against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal—built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal—and unfolds with a blend of dark humour and poignant drama.

Sydney-based director Bali Padda points out that while the play is set in a culturally specific and historical context, it ultimately speaks to modern audiences through its intimate and contemporary examination of friendship, and more importantly, its authentic portrayal of the characters.

I had never seen a play in the Western canon that had two South Asian characters. The playwright has also said that the actors should use their own natural accents. So there was something really special and unique about, 'Oh, this is an opportunity for us brown guys to actually have a chance for main stage leading performances.'

Bali Padda on why he adapted Guards at the Taj

Joining Dilpreet Kaur Taggar in the studios, Bali Padda delves into the evolution of South Asian theatre, discussing the future of our stories, our intended audiences, and the role of dark humour in navigating tragic times.

Tap the audio player to listen to the full interview.

SBS Spice breaks new ground with English-language content for young South Asians in Australia by exploring what makes us tick or ick. Find us on your podcast apps such as the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or LiSTNR and follow us on Instagram @SBSSpice.

Guards at the Taj will be touring in 2024 with performances at Frankston Arts Centre (3 September), Bunjil Place, Narre Warren (4 September), The Concourse, Chatswood (6–7 September), The Art House, Wyong (10 September), Riverside Theatre, Parramatta (12–14 September), Capitol Theatre, Tamworth (17–18 September), Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong (19–21 September), Orange Civic Theatre (27 September), Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (28 September), Joan Sutherland Arts Centre, Penrith (4–5 October), and Darwin Entertainment Centre (11 October).