Balls is a multimedia opera dramatizing the famed 1973 tennis game between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. The match, dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes,” changed not only the perception and treatment of women in sports, but significantly advanced the women’s rights movement. The opera features a live tennis match as a central narrative device, along with actual commentary from the 1973 broadcast.
An immersive projection system of five projectors and five live inputs made for an exciting technical challenge to make the feeling of the Astrodome come alive in the intimate SFJazz venue.
Composed by Laura Karpman
Libretto by Gail Collins
Directed by Brian Staufenbiel
Lighting by Mextly Couzin
Costumes by Sharon Peng
Projection Design by David Murakami
Photos by Kristen Loken
Composed by Laura Karpman
Libretto by Gail Collins
Directed by Brian Staufenbiel
Lighting by Mextly Couzin
Costumes by Sharon Peng
Projection Design by David Murakami
Photos by Kristen Loken
