Tom Morello's Music Manifests the Power of Social Justice in New Musical 'Revolution(s)'

Strategic Insights -

Chicago's Goodman Theater is currently hosting the musical "Revolution(s)", which tells the story of two generations of radical activists in the city. The show's score is sourced from Tom Morello's catalog, the guitarist of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, who has been inspired by the current social justice movement. The musical's writer, Zayd Ayers Dohrn, is the son of Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, leaders of the Weather Underground, and has drawn on his family's history and his own experiences as an activist to create a powerful and timely work.

Key Takeaways:

  • The musical "Revolution(s)" is about two generations of radical activists in Chicago, with a score sourced from Tom Morello's music.
  • Zayd Ayers Dohrn, the show's writer, drew on his family's history and his own experiences as an activist to create the work.
  • The musical explores themes of racial injustice, police brutality, and resistance to authoritarianism.
  • The show's score includes songs by Tom Morello from various projects, including his solo act, Street Sweeper Social Club, and EDM projects.
  • The musical features a cast of actors who also play instruments onstage, including Jakeim Hart, who has to shred in a style similar to Tom Morello's.
  • Zayd Ayers Dohrn has been influenced by his mother, a radical teacher and activist, and has also been passing on his values to his own child, who has been learning to play guitar.
  • Tom Morello has been a long-time activist and has used his music to raise awareness about social justice issues, including immigration and police violence.
  • The musical "Revolution(s)" is part of a broader movement to use art and music to create change.
  • The show's North Star is to create "radical theater with great songs and a great cast" that reflects the values of the audience and inspires them to take action.

Statistics:

  • The show "Revolution(s)" is playing at the Goodman Theater in Chicago through November 16.
  • The musical was written by Zayd Ayers Dohrn, who is 48 years old and is the director of the M.F.A. in Writing for Screen and Stage at Northwestern University.
  • Tom Morello is 61 years old and grew up in Libertyville, Illinois, before moving to Los Angeles.
  • Jakeim Hart is a cast member of the musical and also plays guitar in the style of Tom Morello.

Sources:

  • "Revolution(s)" at the Goodman Theater, Chicago (through November 16)
  • Zayd Ayers Dohrn, director of the M.F.A. in Writing for Screen and Stage at Northwestern University
  • Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave
  • "The New York Times", "Chicago's Goodman Theater", "Tom Morello's Music Manifests the Power of Social Justice in New Musical 'Revolution(s)'" (article)