Urban Ink Productions’ Sal Capone: The Lamentable Tragedy of, tells the tale following the shooting of the talented, young DJ Sammy and the effect this has on the remaining members of his hip-hop crew. The story centers on how the once tight crew of Freddy, Jewel and Chase, handle their grief. Their different methods greatly affect the dynamic of the talented artists. Freddy’s young but wise sister, Naomi provides many words of wisdom throughout and Mac/Sha-ney-ney the narrator / transsexual sex-trade worker fills in the spaces.
Referencing real life events and people keeps the production grounded and rooted in reality. Taking inspiration from the shooting of an unarmed Freddy Villanueva, six years ago in Montreal, the performance touches on race relations, prejudices & stereotypes, sexuality, class disparity and police brutality. The work incorporates hip-hop and rap, video and pre-recorded sound to flesh out the feelings. Playing at the Roundhouse Performance Centre until May 31st, the uniquely interactive production begins as guests wait in the Roundhouse Exhibition space before going into the theatre. The concurrently running installation of street art curated by David George Morgan invites the public to create their own piece of art, then in the midst of the awaiting audience Sha-ney-ney appears, preparing the audience for what’s about to come “You may want to block out what you’re about to hear” she says about the play’s contents “this shit’s about to get real”. The later phrase is absolutely correct, the play feels real but don’t block out anything, you won’t want to miss a moment.
Sal Capone: The Lamentable Tragedy of, plays at the Roundhouse Performance Centre until May 31st at 8pm Tuesday-Saturday, with 2pm matinees on Sunday May 25th & Saturday May 31st. Ticket are available online at brownpapertickets.com/
Written by Omari Newtown
Directed by Diane Roberts
Starring:
Tristan D. Lalla as Freddy Salazar Jr.
Billy Merasty as Mac/Sha-ney-ney
Kim Villagante as Jewel
Letitia Brookes as Naomi Salazar & Sammy
Jordan Waunch as Chase Stagnetti aka Chase Chedder