Actress and Playwright Anna Deavere Smith to Dedicate a Play on American Tennis Legend Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King is considered one of the greatest players in tennis. The 12-time Grand Slam Champion dominated the sport throughout her career. However, she wasn’t just focused on her game. King indulged herself in the betterment of tennis for women as well. Further, she is still actively working in the welfare domain.

Be it fighting for an equal opportunity for women in tournaments in the 1960s or standing by Venus Williams in her fight against unfair prize money in the 2000s, she has always stood up against unfairness. Therefore, now the famous play-writer Anna Deavere Smith has decided to honor her with a play.

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A Play on Billie Jean King

King spoke about the play named Love All and expressed how much she appreciates the team behind it. She said, “As a fan of the theatre, being part of a project like Love All is an honor. “

“And honestly a surreal experience, and being able to work with brilliant minds like Anna Deavere Smith, Marc Bruni and Harriet Leve make this project even more special.” She added. Marc Bruni is the director and Harriet Leve is the producer of the play.

Further, she addressed how she wants the play to be perceived. She said, “Our hope is to tell a story that is authentic, inspiring, and entertaining, and one that speaks to people from all walks of life.”

Billie Jean King built the WTA from scratch. She advocated gender equality and even fought the ‘Battle of sexes’ against former world no.1 Bobby Riggs to prove the potential of her claims. Additionally, she is also the earliest flag bearer of the Queer community in tennis. Thus, it’s only obvious that she is paid tributes for her unwavering spirit and for her on and off the court achievements.

How is the Play crafted?

Love All is the play that has taken the American tennis star’s life as a blueprint. However, Billie Jean King’s career was full of struggle and atrocities. Therefore, depicting it rather poetically must have required a lot of time and talent.

The makers recently released a press note explaining their take and wrote, “tale of tough competition on the court and gritty teamwork in the world,” that “asks what it takes to be a champion and what more it takes to change the course of history.”

Further, the script and casting of the play are ready. The reading will begin in the first week of August. The reading will take place at the New York stage and Flim.

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