Akhada

• Photographer
  Lucas Dragone
• Photo Date
  2014

An Akhada is a gym for pehlwani, an Indian style of wrestling. Traditional Indian wrestling isn't just a sport - it's an ancient subculture where wrestlers follow strict rules. The sport is on the decline, but there are still many akhada left and some dedicated people who are working to keep this ancient part of Indian culture alive.

Lucas Dragone is an awards wining visual artist, and story-teller. Having studied at the Lassaad International School of Theatre in Brussels, still today Lucas keeps very close ties with Lassaad, who he considers to be one of his life-long mentors. He worked with the Compagnie Barbiana in Belgium as performer, director and teacher. He also explored theatre in Italy and Brazil. After a few years he decided to switch from theatre to visual-arts and music as a means to express his creativity.