GANGANG in partnership with Deborah Asante & Artists has announced that tickets are now on sale for the debut of “A Touch of Glory,” a production depicting the remarkable journey of the 1955, all-Black Crispus Attucks High School basketball team. Their historic victory marked the first time an all-Black team won a state championship in any sport in the country. The production, taking place during Black History Month and of All-Star 2024, illustrates the 1955 team on stage.
“The 1955 Crispus Attucks’ Tigers accomplished an incredible feat by advancing to and later winning the state championship as the first Black team to ever win at that level in the country,” said Nigel Long, Indianapolis Market Director for GANGGANG. “Their achievements required a great deal of resilience and determination, and GANGGANG is proud to partner with Deborah Asante & Artists to help elevate Black excellence and Indiana’s historic basketball roots with this production.”
Step into the captivating narrative of ‘A Touch of Glory,’ a theatrical masterpiece that transcends time to bring forth the inspiring story of Oscar Robertson and his basketball teammates at Crispus Attucks High School in 1955. “A Touch of Glory” is the result of six years of dedicated work by playwright Laura Town, who conducted extensive research into the time, including interviews with key figures such as the Crowe family, Bill Hampton, John Gipson, Willie Merriweather, and Hallie Bryant. The meticulous attention to accuracy and representation reflects the commitment to telling this remarkable story with authenticity.
“For years, the dedication and achievement of the Crispus Attucks championship team have been overlooked,” said Terrance Asante-Doyle, Project Manager for Deborah Asante & Artists. “Thanks to support from the Lilly Foundation, Indianapolis Public Schools, and GANGGANG, Indianapolis can properly honor and celebrate the accomplishments made right here in our community—accomplishments that quite literally made history.”
This February, during NBA All-Star 2024 in Indy all roads lead to Crispus Attucks. ‘A Touch of Glory’ will premier with a free Community Preview on February 9, 10, and 11. The production will return during All-Star Weekend, with showings on February 16, 17, and 18. Tickets cost $20 when purchased through Eventbrite or $30 at the door. This production is best suited for audiences 13 years of age and above.
As part of an educational outreach initiative, Deborah Asante & Artists is collaborating with educators to develop curriculum materials related to this historical period, providing schools with a tool to teach this history from a fresh perspective. The curriculum will be available for Indiana schools to download at no cost. Additionally, the play will be offered to high school drama departments that request it, free of charge.
To secure free tickets to Community Day or to purchase tickets during All-Star Weekend, please visit Eventbrite. To learn more about the production, please visit www.atouchofgloryplay.com.
