Bringing Punjabi culture to the heart of Melbourne, Indian artists Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra, showcase the traditional form of Indian wrestling known as Kushti, which is widely practised by farming communities. The vibrant, joyful display is underscored by the narrative of migrant farming communities and their displacement from an ongoing agricultural crisis. Each year, these farmers face daily struggles for bread, generational land division, the impacts of climate change, political unrest and inadequate laws to protect their livelihoods forcing migration across the work, including relocation to Australia.

Tilt was commissioned to create the custom performance mat for the festival demonstration.  The wrestling mat was made from one continuous piece of rubber that wrapped from the ground floor and wall, incorporating a bench seat for the performers. Our team resolved the brief to place the mat as a singular piece without any structural fixings to the ground or wall plain while meeting the performative requirements. We conducted extensive research to source a that delivered longevity and robustness to withstand the high-traffic zone with full public exposure in Fed Square.

Tilt Services

• Concept Design support
• Detailed Design
• Procurement
• Project Management
• Installation

Thukral and Tagra’s Bread, Circuses and Home is an immersive festival of wrestling, dance, games, and music that invites audiences into a vibrant celebration of Punjabi culture. This multi-layered performance explores India’s farming crisis and wider socio-political issues, while also energising Melbourne’s Indian community and offering a powerful space to connect, share, and celebrate their heritage.