Sal Capone: The Lamentable Tragedy of … shouting about hate is not always the most effective way to bring about change.

Sal Capone: The Lamentable Tragedy of …By Omari Newton, directed by Diane Roberts. NAC English Theatre, a  Boldskool production with Holding space productions.

The anger and the rhythm that are the underpinning of Sal Capone are clear and compelling. But almost constant shouting and the poor enunciation of most of the cast — frequently overwhelmed by the crashing soundscape — blur detail and nuance.

The hip-hop musical by Omari Newton, updated from the 2013 original, was inspired by the police shooting of a Montreal teen, Freddy Villanueva, and the riots that followed his death.

The set, featuring scaffolding, a dumpster and a pile of skids, provides an effective background, underlining the raw nature of the culture that Sal Capone describes. As a hip-hop crew prepares to launch its first album, the group must also deal with the shooting and then the death of one of their number.

Because the primary theme of the show is police brutality, “I hate pigs” is repeated frequently. In keeping with the street family’s culture, the dialogue (when it is understandable) is heavily laden with the F- word and the N-word. The regular repetition lessens the impact, leaving a simple comment about the apparent offence of WWB (walking while black) with much more power to evoke sympathy and concern.

In fact, one of the strongest segments of the drama is having one character, the group’s manager, as devil’s advocate pointing out that all lives matter, not just black lives. He also argues that if hostility to police were toned down, less hostility might be returned and that, if they dressed differently, the crew might not be mistaken for gang members.

The Greek chorus-style narrator — a prostitute/transvestite who calls herself Mama—also adds an interesting dimension by spitting out that the audience members are tourists in an alien world.

Perhaps so. Perhaps also, clearer diction, better lighting and sound might add greater dramatic depth to a barrage of sound in which hate and violence are always near the surface.

There is no question that we should all be deathly afraid of the results of rampant racism. But shouting about hate is not always the most effective way to bring about change.

Sal Capone: The Lamentable Tragedy of continues at the NAC Azrieli Studio to April 21.

Director/dramaturg/co-producer: Diane Roberts

Set and lighting: Ana Cappeluto

Sound: Troy Slocum

Costumes: Sarah Hall-K

Dramaturg: Emma Tibaldo

Video designer: Candelario Andrade

Cast:

Naomi Salazar………………….Letitia Brookes

Freddie Salazar Jr………………Tristan D. Lalla

Mac/Shaneyney……………..…Troy Emery Twigg

Jewel De la Reyas………………Kim Villagante

Chase Stagnetti………………….Jordan Wau