wmctrl -r L:C_N:titleBar_ID:system -e '0,0,0,600,1'
wmctrl -r L:C_N:titleBar_ID:system -e '0,0,0,600,1' (twice since Awesome is a bit funny that way)
and to restore:
wmctrl -r L:C_N:titleBar_ID:system -e '0,0,0,600,30'
gives us: (pictured) in your case Eurekas solution is probably tidiest and least effort as it is native.
However. you asked to hide the status bar... so I am answering that request