Interview: Usaamah Ibraheem Hussain, Guards at the Taj

Guards at the Taj is an audacious, funny and ever-surprising play about friendship, betrayal and power. Set in India in 1648, it follows Imperial Guards and best friends Babur and Humayun who have to resist the temptation to steal a glimpse at the Taj Mahal on its final day of construction. The urge is too strong for the duo who will discover that beauty comes at a terrible price. Starring in the play as Babur is Usaamah Ibraheem and we caught up with him to find out more about the play.

Usaamah Ibraheem Hussain (Babur) in rehearsals. Photo by Lidia Crisafulli

What can you tell us about the production?

It’s a story about two ordinary guards who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. A lot of blood is involved…

The production is being staged as the winner of the JMK Award, what does this award enable directors to do for those who don’t know about it? 

The JMK Award is the major emerging director award in the UK and enables an emerging director to stage a main house production, usually their first.

 You play the character of Babur. How did you approach understanding and portraying his personality and motivations in the story? 

I tried my best to listen to my impulses within myself that point to where Barbur lives within me. His motivations change drastically throughout, so it’s been a constant process of trying to discover which choices I can make to best serve our version of the story.

Do you see any similarities between yourself and Babur? If so, how have these influenced your portrayal?

I feel there are many similarities, however the similarities we do share I feel I hide whereas Barbur openly expresses himself, so I continually give myself permission to let these different sides of myself out.

What were some of the challenges you faced in bringing Babur to life? How did you overcome them?

Both characters go through a great deal emotionally and physically. Being closely guided by Adam and acting opposite a fantastic actor as Maanuv, has really helped me continue to search for as much truth and nuance as possible.

The story is set in 1648, how does this story draw parallels (if any) to something more modern?

Many themes run through the play that will resonate. For me personally, the one that strikes a chord the most is: The price ordinary people pay for the demands of those in power. Which I feel is seen all around the world today, specifically in warzones and in the Middle East right now.

 Is there a particular scene in the play that you find most impactful or enjoyable to do? Why?

 I find the final scene of the play very enjoyable and impactful, without giving too much away it feels like being a child.

What audiences will Guards at the Taj appeal to?

It’s a show for everyone. It has laughter, madness, love, betrayal and so much more. You’ll see yourself in either character throughout the play and resonate with their struggle.

Finally, why should people book their tickets to see the show at the Orange Tree Theatre?

The Orange Tree has a beautiful theatre space, it’s very intimate and in the round. This production has had an excellent creative team who have really transformed this space into something otherworldly. 

Guards at the Taj runs at the Orange Tree Theatre from 26 October until 16 November.