This darkly comic and haunting play is set in a fictionalized 1648 India, where two Imperial Guards are standing watch at the dawn of the newly completed Taj Mahal. As they witness its breathtaking beauty, they are unexpectedly ordered to perform an unthinkable task. This harrowing command forces them to confront profound questions about unexamined adherence to leadership, blind obedience, and how such demands can stifle humanity. The play also delves into the complexities of their understanding of beauty, loyalty, and the very nature of their friendship.

Rajiv Joseph's "Guards at the Taj" is a highly recognized work, having won the prestigious Obie Award for Best New American Play in 2016 and the 2016 Lortel Award for Best Play.