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.
Red for Revolution is nominated for two WEBBY AWARDS — and we’re still riding high from our Ambie win. To celebrate, we’re sharing unreleased audio from our conversation with the incomparable Debbie Allen, in conversation with cast members Jordan Hull, Renée Wilson, Caro Guzmán, and creator, writer, director Jana Naomi Smith.
Vote Red for Revolution for Best Scripted Fiction Podcast
Vote for Red for Revolution Best Original Music Score and Sound Design
In May 2025, Red for Revolution joined Play Hard by Winter Dunn and Sext by Kierstyn Stevens for “Writing HERstory,” a powerful gathering centered on reclaiming narrative, honoring lived experience, and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that shape our work. The event was hosted by The Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Rhimes Performing Arts Center, and The Brett Fonfa Foundation.
We’re thrilled to bring this conversation back into the world. Enjoy!
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.
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. 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, additional resources, and to sign up for our newsletter.
This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract.
This episode featured performances by
Jordan Hull as Jazmine
S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (present day)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Caro Guzmán as Adrienne and Kathy
adrienne maree brown as Series Sonic Guide
Disclaimer
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