Red for Revolution cover art

Red for Revolution

Red for Revolution

By: Radiotopia
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About this listen

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.

Drama & Plays
Episodes
  • Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You
    Feb 4 2025

    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.


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    35 mins
  • Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry
    Feb 11 2025

    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.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
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