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. 

Note to listener: This edition has been mixed in Atmos Binaural audio to create a deeply immersive spatial soundscape. For optimal experience, please use headphones. Thank you for joining us—we hope you enjoy this revolutionary sonic journey!

Red for Revolution was created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith; with sound design, audio engineering, mixing, and mastering by Collin Gerald Thomas, music direction, supervision, and production by Tammy L. Hall;  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 Design by Shefon N. Taylor; Associate Produced by Adrian Snegg, Jordan Hull, and Vanessa E. Williams, Creative Produced by Liz McBee, Jana Naomi Smith, Renée Wilson, and Tammy L. Hall, executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Smith, & Meta Mana Media, and 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. 

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)
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
Don Daniels as Sean 
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.