Diary of a world premiere: Shadowing Rajiv Joseph as he unveils his new play, ‘Archduke’

Drinks and dinner over, it’s on to the Mark Taper Forum for the performance of his new play, “Archduke.”

Against a beautiful dusk sky, Joseph, right, heads to the Mark Taper Forum for the preview performance of “Archduke.”

Joseph, right, takes a selfie with friends in front of his play’s poster at the Mark Taper Forum in downtown Los Angeles.

Joseph, right, greets friends at the Music Center outside of the Mark Taper before the premiere of “Archduke.”

Playwright Rajiv Joseph, left, chats with a friend before taking his seat to watch the preview performance for his new play, “Archduke,” on April 25 at the Mark Taper Forum.

Joseph prepares himself, moments before the curtain rises on his new play, “Archduke.”

Playwright Rajiv Joseph, middle, chats with friends in the lobby during intermission.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Joseph walks back to his seat after intermission on opening night of a preview performance for his new play, “Archduke.”

Rajiv Joseph, center, congratulates actor Todd Weeks backstage afterward.

The playwright, left, chats with actor Ramiz Monsef in the dressing room backstage after opening night.

Playwright Rajiv Joseph, left, hugs actor Patrick Page backstage.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Joseph studies his notes during the tech session after opening night of a preview performance for his new play, “Archduke.”