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Book Club Tue Sep 03 2013
The Return of Write Club
Knuckles will soon be bare again. Trouble will once more be eaten and money once more shat. That's right, Book Clubbers. Starting on Monday, September 9 at 7pm, Write Club will return to Chicagoland for another season of literature as bloodsport, hosted by founder and "Overlord" Ian Belknap.
One of the driving forces behind the local and international "live lit" movement, which is growing fast, Write Club was named earlier this year the "Best Literary Event" by the Chicago Reader and the "Best Reading Series" by Chicago magazine, and for good reason. Back when the show first started in 2010, Belknap told TimeOut Chicago, "I want the show to take a can opener to my skull and punch me in the brain." And he meant it. Write Club packs one hell of a gray matter wallop.
The premise is simple: three bouts of two writers each, who get seven minutes apiece to defend one of two diametrically opposing ideas such as rain versus shine, give versus receive, or fight versus flight. "Combatants" fight not only with persuasive essays, but with a range of literary forms and theatrical techniques--and they win or lose according to audience applause. At the end of each show, there are three victors, three charities benefited, and three "Loving Cups of Deathless Fucking Glory" awarded. Those in the audience will also be at least a little bit in love with both Belknap and Lindsay Muscato, the gracious keeper of the "Time Timer."
Taking place at SPACE in Evanston, the September 9 season premiere is themed "Back to Skewl," and will feature the following line-up: Josh Zagoren (ART) vs. Jeff Miller (SCIENCE), Ryan Duke (CLASS) vs. Noelle Drimm (RECESS), and Chloe Johnston (READ) vs. Patrick Allen Carberry (WRITE). $10 tickets for this show can be purchased in advance through SPACE. For the rest of the season, Write Club will be taking place on the first Monday of the month at SPACE and the third Tuesday of the month at the Hideout.
This is the gauntlet of live lit. Truth laid bare boldly, with mirth and laughter. Your bruised and bloodied brain will thank you.
Photo courtesy of writeclubrules.com.
