Billie Jean King is many things: a pioneer, activist, champion tennis player and warrior for equality (for women and queer people).
In the Chicago Shakespeare theater production Billie Jean, lauren Gunderson has written a play that showcases the public and private struggles King fought on her journey too becoming an icon who has inspired millions. windy City Times recently talked with Gunderson; actress Chilina Kennedy, who portrays King; and Dan Amboyer, who plays King’s first spouse, husband Larry King-and many items were revealed, including one of the trio coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community for the first time in print.
Note: This conversation was edited for clarity and length.
Windy City Times: Lauren, there are so many people you could’ve written about. Why did you decide to focus on Billie Jean King? Also, what kind of research went into writing this play?
Lauren Gunderson: This was an opportunity that was presented to me, as opposed to something I initiated. Our amazing producers had connected with Billie Jean, and she was open to a play; she and her wife, Ilana, are big musical-theater fans. When they came and said they wanted a show about Billie Jean King, it took about half a second to say, “Oh, my God-me, me!” It was such a dream.
I have a history of writing about historical women, including a lot of queer women. She has this combination of athletic history, activism, feminism and queer iconography-it’s just everything. She’s so amazing.And there’s the cost-and the play is so much about the fight for self as well as the fight for generalized equality. And she and her wife are actively engaged citizens who are fighting not just for future generations but for the present to be all that they can, should and will be.
WCT: And than there’s research, because accuracy is so notable-especially if the subject is living.
LG: It is very difficult, as most of the people I’ve written about have long passed and don’t have a single opinion to say to me. [Laughs] But the truth is that this is an incredible challenge and joy-mostly joy-for a writer to have a Zoom with yoru heroes. [We] get beyond the biography-which is beautifully written and very expansive-and the many documentaries that exist about her and them, and to listen to how they talk in a way that has soul and depth. There’s research that you do, but our job is to create a stunning, engaging, powerful experience for the audience, and the way to do that is just to talk with them-and they’re so funny! Billie Jean is vivacious, hilarious, curious and so generous, so we wanted to add that effervescenceChilina Kennedy: Well, there’s a huge amount of pressure because she’s such an icon. I went through this with Carole King and also with Carole Pope, who’s a Canadian rock star. People have such specific memories of them and they are such huge fans of them. Billie Jean’s an icon on so many levels and people even know her tennis style-so there’s a lot of pressure. [Chuckles] but it’s kind of like what Lauren said: I’m not looking to recreate her in a Saturday Night Live way or a caricature; I want her to flow organically through me.
I describe it like if there’s a rainbow of personality and she’s a green while I’m a red, my version of her is going to be somewhere between those colors. Some nights, I’ll be closer to green and othre nights, I’ll be closer to red just because of the fluctuations of living in the moment. But Lauren’s written a beautiful play that’s so moving, and there’s so much to play with. And I’m excited for people to learn more about her life and to be inspired. It doesn’t feel like you’re getting an education but you learn a lot; I know I have. I hope that people leave feeling excited and inspired.
The Power of Perspective: Representation and Truth on Stage
the act of storytelling, particularly in theater, carries a profound weight. When performers inhabit characters and share their narratives, they temporarily borrow the audience’s attention, emotions, and capacity for understanding. This is a significant responsibility, demanding careful consideration of how stories are told, not just what stories are told.
Beyond Visibility: The Nuance of Representation
For many, seeing oneself reflected in art is a powerful experience. It’s a validation, a signal that one’s experiences are worthy of exploration. Though, true representation extends far beyond mere visibility. It’s about acknowledging the spectrum of human experience and recognizing that within shared identities, there exists a multitude of individual perspectives. It’s a starting point for deeper connection and a catalyst for understanding our commonalities and differences.
Consider the current media landscape.While LGBTQ+ representation has increased substantially – a 2023 GLAAD report found LGBTQ+ representation in scripted series reached 3.1% – the quality and complexity of that representation remain crucial. Simply including LGBTQ+ characters isn’t enough; their stories must be authentic, nuanced, and avoid harmful stereotypes. This is where the “lens” through which a story is told becomes paramount.
Multiple Lenses, Shared Truth
Each individual perceives the world through a unique filter shaped by their background, experiences, and beliefs. Consequently,there are multiple valid interpretations of any given truth. Effective storytelling embraces this multiplicity, presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging dialog. By exploring different angles, we can foster a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues and connect with a wider audience.
This approach isn’t about relativism, suggesting all perspectives are equally valid nonetheless of evidence. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the subjective nature of experience and recognizing that a single “truth” can resonate differently with different people.It’s about creating space for empathy and challenging preconceived notions.
A Personal Journey to Visibility
The impact of representation is deeply personal. For those who have historically been marginalized, seeing their stories told can be transformative. One individual recalls growing up as a gay teenager in the Midwest during a time when positive LGBTQ+ representation was scarce. The limited portrayals often reinforced negative stereotypes, leading to feelings of isolation and fear. Coming out at thirteen felt like a monumental risk. While inspiring figures existed, they were few and far between. This experience underscores the importance of providing positive and relatable role models, particularly for young people navigating their identities. Just as a single lighthouse can guide ships through a storm, a single affirming character can offer hope and validation to someone struggling to find their place in the world.