The Death of Art and Beauty

Guards at the Taj – Steppenwolf Theatre

 

Two young men in the service of India’s Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor who commissioned the design and construction of the Taj Mahal, stand guard outside a massive stone wall that hides the now-famous architectural wonder. The two longtime friends, almost brothers in their loving devotion to each other, fondly reminisce about all the adventures they’ve shared during their lives together. Although set in 17th century India, their conversation sounds as contemporary as any dialogue heard today between two close friends. Humayun and Babur talk about their time together in the military, their dedication for their current jobs and their aspirations for the future. Beginning with candor and comic observations, nothing, however, can prepare the audience for the horror and brutality that occurs as this thought-provoking 80-minute drama unspools to its poetic conclusion.

Playwright Rajiv Joseph, a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist for his much-lauded earlier drama, “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” won the 2016 Lucille Lortel Award for this outstanding one-act. His fascinating play, which also earned Obie Awards for both his play and its two actors, premiered Off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theatre Company. That same production appears at Steppenwolf, much as it was originally presented in New York, once again directed by ensemble member Amy Morton, and starring Omar Metwally and Arian Moayed, the actors who originated the characters in this two-hander. Tim Mackabee and David Weiner, the production’s original scenic and lighting designers, are also back again, bringing their dazzling, individual artistry to this Steppenwolf production. Bobby Frederick Tilley has created the costumes and Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen have fashioned the show’s sound design and original music, both of which enhance the story.

This sometimes dark comedy begins like a scene from a Seinfeld episode, with the two men humorously bantering about nothing, or so it seems. Then the men turn around to behold in awe the beauty of the now completed Taj Mahal. Eventually the discussion turns darker and Joseph gets to the crux of this play: the death of art and beauty. The guards have been informed that they must obey their tyrannical ruler and chop off the hands of the 20,000 artisans, as well as the talented designer, whose work they’ve just beheld in wonder. The despot believes that these artisans’ talents should be forever halted, after having created the finest work of their lives. Humayun and Babur are then forced to do his dirty work or face death. The two men barely survive the emotional trauma of this cruel ordeal and it eventually takes its toll on them.

Rajiv Joseph’s play opens up a heated debate about how people who have achieved absolute power (sound familiar?) believe they have the right to control the entire world. In particular, this play examines the world of art, the many artists who create and the effect of their masterpieces upon the world. It also opens up a discussion about those of us who must blindly obey the orders of our employers, without room for question or debate. And, in the end, this is a stimulating drama about the nature of art and beauty and fragile is its existence in a heartless, often turbulent, political world.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas    

             

Presented May 31-July 22 by Steppenwolf Theatre Company in the Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or by going to www.steppenwolf.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.