A new play at Montreal’s Segal Centre for Performing Arts, titled Pain to Power: A Kanye West Musical Protest, is questioning “what happens when our heroes betray us, and how we find the strength to respond.”
The piece, according to its creators, explores the complex relationship between art, artists and their impact on the communities that uplift them.
This comes as West is engirdled by self-created controversies, including making antisemitic remarks and the promotion of propaganda merchandise.
“What drew me to this project is the power of theatre to heal, to help people feel seen and heard, and to bring communities together,” said Segal Centre Artistic Director Lisa Rubin. “Theatre has always been a place where we find strength in each other, and where we remind ourselves that, even in difficult moments, we are not alone.”
The play, originally produced by the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre in March 2024, stars CJ Capital and Seth Zosky, and was created with Dan Petrenko and Tracey Erin Smith.
“I am thrilled to bring this unique and timely production to Montreal alongside my brother from another mother,” said Zosky. “Pain to Power is more than just a musical; it’s an immersive exploration of personal struggle, resilience and the pursuit of social change through music.”
Zosky, the winner of Family’s Got Talent alongside Capital, says he once considered West one of his greatest musical inspirations.
“However, with their hero turning against their communities, they grapple with the complexities of admiration and betrayal,” a press release for the play states. “Repurposing Kanye West’s music seamlessly interwoven with Seth’s and CJ’s heartfelt stories of family, faith and friendship, this production is set to be a powerful and thought-provoking experience.”
Pain to Power: A Kanye West Musical Protest is being co-presented with the Black Theatre Workshop from March 19 to March 23, 2025, in the Studio.
