Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution

Radiotopia
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Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution
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Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution is an audio drama centering intergenerational stories of Black women, queer love, and liberation, starring Jordan Hull, Loretta Devine, S. Epatha Merkerson, Rutina Wesley, Renée Wilson, Alimi Ballard, Jennifer Beals, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Danny Glover, Vanessa E. Williams, adrienne maree brown, Caro Guzmán, Don Daniels, and many others. The heart of the story follows the passionate love affair between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 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, listeners are transported back to 1971, where two remarkable women from vastly different backgrounds, with opposing political views and living oceans apart, embark on a romance that defies all conventions.  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.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You

    After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story. 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.  Episode One Cast: Jordan Hull as Jazmine James S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day) Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day) Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Caro Guzmán as Adrienne Mathew Quitney as Reporter Will Kachi as the Rally Volunteer Miles Agee as the Announcer  Mark Thompson as William Davis adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured: “Revolution” Written by Jana Naomi Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall  Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band “I’ve Got a Crush On You” Written by George and Ira Gershwin Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution Band Courtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC. “Prove It On Me” Written by Ma’Rainey Performed by Rutina Wesley and Renée Wilson Courtesy of Spike Driver Music 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.

    35 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry

    Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary. 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.  Episode Two Cast: Jordan Hull a s Jazmine James S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day) Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day) Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Don Daniels as Sean  Alimi Ballard as LeRoy Caro Guzmán as Kathy Mal'akiy Rhoden as Joe Mark Thompson as Black Dreams Host Miles Agee as Black Dreams Producer Krystel Roche as Roseline Mathew Quitney as Party-Guest adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured: “I Don’t Want To Know” Written by Jana Naomi Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall  Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band “My Love Ain’t No Play Thang” Written by Jana Naomi Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall  Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band “Never Will I Marry” Written by Frank Loesser Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band Courtesy of MPL Music Publishing 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.

    48 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather

    As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. 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.  Episode Three Cast: Jordan Hull a s Jazmine James S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day) Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day) Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands   David Alan Graf as Pilot Ashley J. Hobbs as Ruby adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured: “Stormy Weather” Written by Harold Arlen Performed by Loretta Devine and Renée Wilson Courtesy of BMG, Round Hill Music, Sony Music Publishing and S.A. Music 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.

    32 min

  4. SEASON 15 TRAILER

    Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution

    Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, listeners are transported between the vibrant present and the tumultuous year of 1971, encountering a captivating array of characters and experiencing an epic romance that transcends time. 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.  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.  Performances featured in order of appearance: adrienne maree brown as Series Sonic Guide Jordan Hull as Jazmine S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day) Caro Guzmán as Adrienne Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Alimi Ballard as LeRoy Don Daniels as Sean Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra Graves Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali Danny Glover as Howard Ali Song Featured: "Revolution" — Written by Jana Naomi Smith. Original composition by Tammy L. Hall. Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band Learn more about Red for Revolution at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

    2 min
See All Season 15 (4)

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About

Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution is an audio drama centering intergenerational stories of Black women, queer love, and liberation, starring Jordan Hull, Loretta Devine, S. Epatha Merkerson, Rutina Wesley, Renée Wilson, Alimi Ballard, Jennifer Beals, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Danny Glover, Vanessa E. Williams, adrienne maree brown, Caro Guzmán, Don Daniels, and many others. The heart of the story follows the passionate love affair between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 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, listeners are transported back to 1971, where two remarkable women from vastly different backgrounds, with opposing political views and living oceans apart, embark on a romance that defies all conventions.  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.

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