Dear Rhoda: The Red Scare, Love, and Hobohemia in 1920s Chicago
We have a new podcast episode out: a theatrical rendition of “Dear Rhoda”, a play by Donna Russell and David Ranney. You can check it out here!
On this episode of History Against Misery, we share with you a vibrant performance of Donna Russell and Dave Ranney's play, Dear Rhoda. Wisconsin's Washington Island Players recorded this reading, and are planning a live rendition this month, on June 28. Dear Rhoda is a loving rendition of radical and chaotic 1920s Chicago, riven by the Red Scare, epidemic, and anti-Semitic hatred, and is focused on a passionate love affair between two radicals immersed in Hobohemia and labor struggles.
We are excited to revive the memory of Chicago's fascinating 1920s radical milieu, so we are offering a a 50% discount on these Kerr titles steeped in Hobohemia: Crime & Criminals, From Bughouse Square to the Beat Generation, Big Red Songbook, and The Rise and Fall of the Dil Pickle Club. These select works take you on a tour of the Dil Pickle world.
About Dear Rhoda's authors:
Donna Russell was a hair stylist for 27 years before going into the restaurant
business. Until Dear Rhoda her experience in writing was mostly shopping lists!
Now she spends her time writing, directing and producing live theatrical
productions that are meant to entertain, involve the residents of her Washington Island community and raise funds for the local performing arts center. She lives on Washington Island, Wisconsin and Naples, Florida with her husband of 55 years, Larry.
David Ranney is Professor Emeritus in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago. He received his BA degree at Dartmouth College and his PhD at Syracuse University. Professor Ranney has also been a factory worker, a labor and community organizer and an activist academic. He is the author of four books, a play and numerous articles and monographs on issues of employment, labor and community organizing and U.S. trade policy. Some of his recent essays and books may be found on www.david-ranney.com. In addition to his writing, he gives lectures on economic policy and politics and also finds time to be an actor and director in a small community theatre. He is married and has a son, daughter in law and two granddaughters. He splits his time between Chicago, Illinois and Washington Island, Wisconsin.
For more information about Dear Rhoda please visit www.dearrhoda.com