Orange Tree Theatre's latest production Guards at the Taj by Rajiv Joseph, opens this Saturday, 26 October and is directed by JMK Trust 2024 winner, Adam Karim. 

The two-hander will tell the story of the final day of construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra India in 1648. 

Best friends and Imperial Guards Babur (Usaamah Ibraheem Hussain) and Humayun (Maanuv Thiara) are entrusted by the emperor himself with the task of sneaking a glance at the architectural marvel.

However, when one of them does, the audience is taken on a journey through the consequences.

Richmond Nub News had the chance to sit down with Usaamah who is making his OT debut, but is not new to a two-hander play. 

"This is the third two-hander I've done but I think each one has presented different challenge," admits Usaamah. 

"This one emotionally by far, I think is the most demanding and I think physically as well, which is great as an actor - you love that stuff." 

The actor, who previously starred in Peanut Butter and Blueberries, says despite the demands the rehearsals have brought out of him, the team he is surrounded by has helped massively to bring out his best. 

Usaamah explains: "I feel like I've learnt so much. Maanuv and Adam are a little bit older than me, they're a bit more experienced than me and since leaving drama school, this is my first time working with an older actor.

"Working with Maanuv has been such a pleasure." 

He continues: "He's (Maanuv) such a such a humble, down to earth guy, but also he's an incredible actor. 

"I've learnt so much from him and Adam. 

"They're so specific with their craft and the way they break down a text...watching them do that has really taught me a lot." 

Guards at the Taj explores themes of brotherhood, honour, betrayal with a bit of horror sprinkled on top (just in time for Halloween). 

But one theme highlighted in Guards at the Taj which the LAMDA graduate wants male audiences in particular to take away from the play, is how masculinity is presented. 

Usaamah says: "Throughout the course of the play these two characters, they present themselves as men in different ways. 

"One (Humayun) is strong and is like a protector and the other, Babur, is more like, 'no, I can be whatever I want to be, I can dream, I can talk about art' and things which are sometimes frowned upon (today). 

"We spoke a lot about masculinity and I hope that resonates with some of the guys in the audience. 

"Seeing the struggles and I hope that fight of wanting to be a man resonates." 

Set within the backdrop of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's rule, the two characters navigate the idea of conformity and the price of not doing so. 

Usaamah: 'Throughout the course of the play these two characters, they present themselves as men in different ways' (credit: Lidia Crisafulli).

Usaamah feels that, although the story revolves around two soldiers in 17th-century India, its message remains highly relevant today. 

"It's important to mention these two guys, they are young guys and they have just kind of entered adulthood as well," says Usaamah. 

"You are seeing the transition throughout the play, you see them age and one of them conforms a lot more. 

"The other one is struggling and trying so hard to kind of not let the shackles of conformity be put on him. 

"He's trying to break free from them and it's a struggle I think people today will really resonate with." 

To find out more about Guards at the Taj debuting this weekend at the Orange Tree Theatre, click here. 

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