On Thursday, December 12th, I had the privilege of interviewing Michael Gene Sullivan, the Director of the SF Mime Troupe, on The Morning Show at KSVY Sonoma. We dove deep into their holiday production, A Red Carol, opening on December 14th. This year's remix of Charles Dickens's classic A Christmas Carol is unlike any version you've seen before. The SF Mime Troupe has remixed the timeless tale to emphasize its original message of societal change and activism, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved story.
Michael shared his insights into the play's radical reimagining of the classic narrative, bringing economic disparity, class struggle, and the need for social transformation to light.
The play features the same iconic characters from the original but with a twist. A Red Carol places Scrooge's transformation within the context of a more politically charged atmosphere. The Spirits of Christmas — past, present, and future — are not only guiding Scrooge toward personal redemption but also calling for a larger societal reckoning. The Troupe's version is a call to action, reminding us that the changes we need as a society go beyond individual change and extend to systemic and structural issues.
During the broadcast, I also had the opportunity to share the first five minutes of the radio play version of A Red Carol, which is available for donation on Bandcamp. This unique production lets audiences experience the Mime Troupe's radical take on the story in an audio format, bringing the powerful messages of the performance straight to your ears. It's a perfect way to engage with the production if you cannot attend in person, and I highly recommend listening. The first five minutes of the radio play truly set the tone for the entire show, featuring a lively, energetic dialogue that addresses current issues with a touch of humor and sharp wit.
Z Space, San Francisco
Following my interview and radio segment, I attended Z-Space in San Francisco to see the live performance of A Red Carol. Z-Space is a fantastic venue—an intimate space perfect for raw, stripped-down productions that can confront the audience with the production by practically sitting in your lap; the black-box style layout allows for a close, personal experience with the performance. It's the ideal space for the Mime Troupe's blend of physical theater and political commentary, where the actors' energy and emotion can honestly fill the room.
The performance was a blast! The actors brought vibrant energy to their roles, balancing the play's sharp critiques with the humor and charm the Mime Troupe is known for. The set was minimal, allowing the storytelling to shine. At the same time, the use of live music, sound effects, and the actor's musical physicality in their performances added meaning to the dialogue.
What stood out most was how the story not only reflected on personal transformation but also called for collective change—a powerful reminder that Dickens' message of redemption was never just about the individual but about addressing the broader societal systems that perpetuate inequality.
As I sat in the audience, it was clear that A Red Carol is more than just a holiday performance; it's a timely piece of theater that invites us to examine our world today. In a year that brought social and economic upheaval, the SF Mime Troupe's play couldn't be more relevant. It challenges audiences to consider their own roles in society. It calls for action — not only in the spirit of the holidays but in the spirit of community and justice.
If you missed the interview with Michael, don't worry! You can still listen to our entire conversation on KSVY. Follow the link below to access the recording:
{Interview Link}
Also, check out the radio play version of A Red Carol on Bandcamp. The radio play is available by donation, allowing you to engage with the production and support the Troupe's nonprofit mission. You can find it here:
https://sfmt.bandcamp.com/track/a-red-carol
Finally, I encourage you to visit the SF Mime Troupe's website to support its important work. The Troupe has been producing socially relevant theater for decades and continues to inspire audiences to think critically about the world around them.
https://www.sfmt.org
Beyond the holiday season, don't miss the chance to experience A Red Carol and other works by the indomitable SF Mime Troupe. It's a radical, refreshing reminder of the power of theater to spark change and engage audiences in conversations about class, justice, and the future we want to create together.