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Tennis Opera Serves Up 70s Sexism
21 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Opera 'Balls' reimagines the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match.
- It uses kitsch and spectacle to highlight 1970s gender stereotypes.
- Tenor Nicky Spence starred as the comic ringleader Bobby Riggs.
The world premiere of Laura Karpman's opera 'Balls' has brought the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match to the stage with a vibrant, non-subtle approach. The opera incorporates video clips and quotes from the original commentary, turning phrases like "little lady" into theatrical spectacle. This production uses all-singing, all-dancing kitsch to underscore how alien such attitudes seem today.
The work excels in its pacing and entertainment value, featuring performances that range from Copland-esque hopefulness to Philip Glass-inspired minimalism. Tenor Nicky Spence led the cast as the comic figure Bobby Riggs, while Nikola Printz portrayed Billie Jean King with intense vocal and dramatic power. The Philharmonia, under Marin Alsop, provided lush orchestral support.
Preceding the opera, a performance of Walton's Façade showcased the soloists and orchestra's virtuosity, particularly in the rhythmic delivery of Edith Sitwell's text. This combination offered a full evening of engaging music theatre, blending historical commentary with spectacular stagecraft.
