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WRESTLING BENEFIT

In early 1955, Chicago wrestler Rose Roman won her suit against the Wrestling commission, which had banned women's wrestling in the city on the grounds that it was "unladylike behaviour." On June 12th, 1955, she opened an evening of wrestling with an all-female ticket. When only women were allowed into the Stadium, the men in the crowds lined up along Grace Street nearly turned to rioting.

The steel-slinging women of paid tribute to Rose Roman and her successful struggle by turning to wrestling for two nights only in a Benefit show honoring the ladies of the wrestling leagues of the 50's and 60's. With the help of Gentleman James Folger, a retired professional wrestler, The Babes staged wrestling in the style of the era, re-creating personas and techniques that have since been replaced by an emphasis on empty showmanship and jiggle shows.

In 1998, history repeated itself as The Babes were excluded from venue after venue when the subject of this Benefit was mentioned. The venues approached deemed the material "unsuitable" and refused to rent to Footsteps on those grounds. Finally a venue was secured, and the plans for this Tribute Benefit could move forward. Even 40 years later, women's presence in the wrestling world is a subject of much misunderstanding and debate.

All proceeds benefited the effort to attend the 1998 Edinburgh International Festival Fringe in Scotland.

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