Choke Hole

Drag Wrestling Extravaganza

About the Show

"In a distant future and in a society that is a distorted version of our world today, CHOKE HOLE is the most popular form of entertainment regularly broadcast to millions of viewers. What began as a justice system to resolve disputes between the absurd citizens of Choke Hole has evolved into a gladiator-esque cultural and capitalist phenomenon. "The drag wrestling phenomenon CHOKE HOLE is a multimedia performance happening extraordinaire that looks at the traditionally macho world of wrestling through a queer lens, highlighting and amplifying the flamboyant and comedic elements of professional wrestling. The performers appropriate the ring to play with ideas of spectacle and American absurdity. Their loud and lascivious shows, which mostly take place in abandoned warehouses in New Orleans, combine choreographed show fights, lip sync performances, acting and pre-recorded "backstage drama" to create an immersive nightlife experience.

Launched in 2018, CHOKE HOLE has since grown into one of the most hyped underground events in America, written about in numerous publications such as the New York Times and Vice, and for which even Academy Award winner and screen legend Susan Sarandon fought for a front row seat.

In 2022 CHOKEHOLE left the American Homeland for the first time - to put on CHOKE HOLE VS. HAMBURG QUEENS, they developed a special Kampnagel edition of their show together with drag and queer performers from Hamburg and Berlin, including numerous Kampnagel companions such as PREACH, Dancing Svensation and Gieza Poke and Alexander Cameltoe for the opening of the season. In 2023 The crew returned with CHOKE HOLE: BOOB CAMP, inducing the next generation of fighters into the delicate art of Drag Wrestling, under the instruction of the Cast from the 2022 show. CHOKE HOLE will return in June of 2024! Stay tuned for more queer wrestling extravaganza. Film maker Yony Leiser made a documentary about the first show in Hamburg, that has been nominated for several prizes at film festivals internationally.

All Pictures by Julia Schwender / Kampnagel Hamburg