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. EPISODE 4

    Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults

    Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two.  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 Four 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) Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali Danny Glover as Howard Ali Caro Guzman as Kathy David Alan Graf as Dean McKenna Xavier Miles Temple as Robber adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide  Music Featured: “He Looked Beyond My Fault” Written by Dottie Rambo Performed by Loretta Devine Courtesy of Tomorrowland Music, Designer Music, Brandee-Vah Publishing, Capitol CMG 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.

    29 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns

    As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime.  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 5 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  Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali Danny Glover as Howard Ali Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands   Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra Graves JoNell Kennedy as News Reporter Mark Thompson as William Davis Caro Guzmán as Kathy Miles Agee as Vincent and Preacher Xavier Miles Temple as Nightclub Runner Music Featured: “His Eye is on the Sparrow” Written by Civilla Durfee Martin and Charles Hutchinson Gabriel Performed by Renée Wilson “Send In The Clowns” Written by Stephen Sondheim Performed by Renée Wilson and Jordan Hull and the Red for Revolution Band Courtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC. 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.

    43 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris

    As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store. 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 Six 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) Alimi Ballard as LeRoy Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands   Mal'akiy Rhoden as Miles James Ashley J. Hobbs as Airline Announcer Mathew Quitney as Stage Manager Christine Angelique as Paris Music Festival Announcer  Caro Guzmán as Adrienne Music Featured: “I Don’t Want To Know” Written by Jana Naomi Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall  Performed by Jordan Hull  “I Love Paris” Written by Cole Porter Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red for Revolution Band Courtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC. “Dare To Love” Written by Jana Naomi Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall  Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution Band 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.

    42 min

  7. 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 (7)

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4.3
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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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