In 1973 Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a tennis match billed as The Battle of the Sexes. Attracting an estimated 50 million television viewers, it is recognized as significant in gaining recognition and respect for women’s tennis and women athletes in general.
I vividly remember watching it, not aware of its importance, but it did open my eyes to women’s sports. Since then I have learned a lot about King, most recently from Billie Jean, a brilliant play that premiered recently at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Through playwright Laura Gunderson and director Marc Bruni, King’s courageous and inspirational story is told. Chilina Kennedy completely captures the spirit of King, who fought against the odds for equality. Billie Jean follows King’s path to stardom and the toll it took on her. As hard as it seems to portray King’s career in two hours, especially in play form, Billie Jean does just that.
© Justin Barbin and Chicago Shakespeare Theater
More eyes than ever are on women athletes. Billie Jean reminds older folks and teaches youngsters about one of the true pioneers. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many younger attendees.
Located on Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is the country’s largest year-round theater dedicated to the works of Shakespeare. Founded in 1986, it has earned many honors and awards while holding as many as 650 performances annually.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
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