Red for Revolution
Red for Revolution
Podcast Description
In 2004, a racial controversy erupted at a small, mostly white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts. There were protests. TV news crews. A tense all-school assembly. And then, an announcement: the school would stage an iconic American musical that no one saw coming. This is the story of that production. Coming June 2025.Radiotopia Presents premiers short multi-episode series in one podcast feed, unified by bold, inclusive storytelling pushing the boundaries of audio. Learn more at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Red for Revolution intertwines themes of love, identity, and generational conflict, particularly focusing on the relationships between LGBTQ+ characters. Episodes cover significant moments like the discovery of family secrets, self-acceptance struggles, and the complexities of love against challenging social contexts, such as in episodes like 'I’ve Got a Crush On You' and 'He Looked Beyond My Faults.'
Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution is an audio drama centering intergenerational stories of Black women, queer love, and liberation. We meet Jazmine, an 18-year-old grappling with her queer identity, first crush, and the delicate task of mending her relationship with her homophobic mother. As Jazmine seeks solace and guidance from her grandmother, we are transported back to 1971, to follow the passionate love affair between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. Two remarkable women from vastly different backgrounds, with opposing political views and living oceans apart, embark on a romance that defies all conventions.
To celebrate the anniversary of Red for Revolution’s Radiotopia debut, we’re dropping a special bonus episode. Join members of the cast and creative team as they revisit the story’s earliest seeds, its unexpected turns, and the beautiful collaboration.
You’ll also hear exclusive, unreleased audio scenes from the cutting‑room floor. Part reflection, part celebration, and part revelation, this episode invites listeners into the room where the revolution truly began.
Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L. Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.
The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter, visit redforrevolution.com.
This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.
This episode includes interviews with
Jana Naomi Smith
Jordan Hull
Tammy L. Hall
Liz McBee
Renée Wilson
Alimi Ballard
And features performances by:
adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide
Ashley J. Hobbs as additional narrations
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Alimi Ballard as LeRoy (1970s)
Will Kachi (Volunteer 1970s)
Music Featured:
“Revolution”
Written by Jana Naomi Smith
Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall
Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band
Tammy Hall, pianist & music director
Kofy Brown, electric Bassist
Ruth Davies, acoustic Bassist
Ruthie Price, drummer
Vicki Randle, percussionist
Kristen Strom, saxophonist/flautist
For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.
Disclaimer
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