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Theatre Thu Jul 24 2014
Arm Wrestlers Test Their Strength at CLLAW XIX
Chicago's strongest women will flex their muscles this weekend as they elbow their way through CLLAW XIX, a Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers (CLLAW) competition.
Presented by the Sideshow Theatre Company, this marks the 19th CLLAW match, pitting the city's best female arm wrestlers against each other for a good cause. The bout features women arm wrestlers dressed in over-the-top get ups and promises shady referees and animated managers and entourages.
"The energy going into this CLLAW is really electric," said Karie Miller of Sideshow Theatre Company and a CLLAW organizer. "This match is unique in that about half of the wrestlers are new and about half are veterans."
CLLAW, which formed in 2009, was inspired by a similar event in Charlottesville, Virginia. There are now chapters throughout the country. The Chicago branch holds three matches throughout the year.
"I happened to participate in a CLAW match [in Virginia]," Miller said. "When I moved I brought the whole idea here and we started our league."
All proceeds from the July event benefit {she crew}, an organization that empowers Chicago girls between 12 and 14 to engage in the arts through journaling and performing, and Sideshow Theatre Company.
"We're a 501(c)(3) theater company," said Miller. "Part of our mission's building community through theatrical experiences through tapping into something familiar and turning its on its ear."
She said the matches generally raise around $5,000.
Twelve women from all over Chicago will battle for the bedazzled CLLAW gloves through strength and possible bribery. CLLAW gets the audience members involved, encouraging them to bet on favorite wrestler such as Lumberjack Jill, Marie ARMtoinette and Drinkerbell. They are also encouraged to get in on the referee bribing.
Chicago's Homer Marrs & the Excellent Adventure and The Cell Phones will perform during the event, alongside a diverse team of arm wrestling women.
"Right now in the history of the Chicago league we have a particularly special group of women," Miller. "I'm excited about [what] that specific electricity will bring the evening, because the chemistry of these particular women is so awesome and really cool."
Since these bouts began in 2009, CLLAW has benefitted many Chicago nonprofits, including the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Girls Rock! Chicago, Chicago Arts Partnership in Education and more.
Tickets are $10. There is also a cash bar available. The match takes place at the Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave. Visit the Sideshow Theatre Company website for tickets.
