‘Choke Hole’ is exactly like a traveling pro wrestling show, only way, way different. As the news release explains it, ‘Choke Hole’ aims to put “a queer lens on the traditionally machismo world of wrestling … intensifying the inherently flamboyant and camp elements.”
Celebrating its fifth year, the ribald and ridiculous wrestling satire has appeared in Brooklyn, New York; Las Vegas; and Berlin, as well as New Orleans.
“For me, this kind of event is performance art that critiques systems and ideas in a campy, loving way,” said the show’s creator, graffiti and street artist extraordinaire Hugo Gyrl.
“Now more than ever, we need to turn to drag for humor,” Gyrl said, “considering how much certain politicians are trying to ban drag.”
As the press release explains it, ‘Choke Hole’ aims to put “a queer lens on the traditionally machismo world of wrestling, … intensifying the inherently flamboyant and camp elements.”
Asked to give a preview of some of the matchups fans might expect, Gyrl said wrestler Lexis D’Ville will be mixing it up with London Manchester in an evil plastic surgeon dungeon. And in the most provocative match, Joycelyn Change, a dreadlock-wearing hippie cop, will be going toe to toe with Laveau Contraire, a rabid, religious Instagram superstar.
Expect over-the-top gender-fluid characters engaged in splendidly inauthentic combat, with outrageously adult, comic hijinks aplenty. This probably isn’t the show for your usual WWE fans.
“Choke Hole” has left behind its below-the-radar bohemian beginnings in a shadowy, unair-conditioned warehouse for the swanky Ace Hotel at 600 Carondelet St. in the CBD. Shows take place from 10 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $30.
“For me, this kind of event is performance art that critiques systems and ideas in a campy, loving way,” said the show’s creator, graffiti and street artist extraordinaire Hugo Gyrl (left)
