SWEET SPOT By Germaine Shames (Part of the WOMEN’S VOICES PLAY READING SERIES)

In the segregated, elitist world of 1950s amateur lawn tennis, two outsiders — one an African-American, and the other a Jewish Englishwoman — join forces to dominate centre court and revolutionize the sport. Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton were not only unbeatable doubles partners but lifelong friends and two barrier-breaking female champions. Their example has much to teach us today about overcoming discrimination and transcending personal tragedy. SWEET SPOT explores their climb to the peak of their sport, decline into relative obscurity and coming-to-terms through the power of a singular friendship.