Asante Art Institute Premieres Reimagined Production Exploring Indiana’s Civil Rights and Basketball Legacy

As basketball fans descend on Indianapolis for the excitement surrounding the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, a multi-generational theatrical production will shine a light on a lesser-known story from Indiana’s rich basketball legacy.

The Asante Art Institute will stage a newly reimagined version of A Touch of Glory, a play exploring one of the most compelling untold stories in Hoosier basketball history. The production runs March 26–28 and April 2–4 at the Athenaeum Theatre, timed to coincide with the NCAA Championship Weekend.

Originally written by playwright Laura Towns, A Touch of Glory has been significantly rewritten for this production to focus on the story of Angie Willie, a teammate whose pivotal moment in basketball history has largely been overshadowed.

“Basketball history often celebrates the record breakers, but I became increasingly interested in the people whose stories were left just outside the spotlight,” Towns shared. “By focusing more intentionally on Willie Burnley, the play opens up a deeper conversation about friendship, legacy, and the broader cultural moment surrounding the game.”

Instead of highlighting a single record-setting performance, the revised script explores a defining moment of teamwork and friendship—when a legendary player chose to pass the ball rather than break a scoring record. That decision brought Willie briefly into the spotlight before his life was later cut short by leukemia.

“This version of the play shifts the focus from individual achievement to the humanity behind the game,” said Deborah Asante, director of the production. “Basketball history often celebrates records and championships, but this story reminds us that the most meaningful moments in sports are often about community, character, and resilience.”

With Indianapolis hosting tournament events and welcoming basketball fans from across the country, the production offers visitors and residents a uniquely Indiana cultural experience—one that blends sports history with theater.

By running performances both during the tournament’s opening weekend and again during championship weekend, the production aims to give fans another way to experience Indiana’s deep connection to the game.

The production features a cast of 22 performers, including professional actors and eight young performers who are gaining hands-on experience working alongside seasoned artists. 

For the Asante Art Institute, the production also represents an opportunity to reintroduce the organization to the Indianapolis arts community. Founded as a youth theater program and now one of the state’s longest-standing Black female-led arts organizations, Asante has built a reputation for cultivating emerging talent and preserving underrepresented stories.

“This production reflects exactly who we are,” said Terrance Asante-Doyle of the Asante Art Institute. “We’re telling an important Hoosier story while giving young artists the opportunity to learn directly from professional performers. That combination of legacy and mentorship is central to our mission.”

All performances will take place at the Athenaeum Theatre in downtown Indianapolis. Opening weekend includes a preview night on March 26, followed by performances on March 27 and March 28 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The production returns during championship weekend with performances on April 2 and April 3 at 7:30 p.m., and April 4 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Students may purchase discounted tickets, and audiences can use promo code INHERITANCE26 for a $20 flat-rate ticket. Tickets are available now at asanteartinstitute.org.