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In "Groundswell", a thriller set in South Africa, we learn that nature doesn't make polished diamonds. The precious stones come up from the ground as encrusted mineral lumps, which a jeweler must carve into multifaceted perfection. One is tempted to say the same about the New Group's presentation of this political drama. It glitters, but it's rough.

Acted with gusto by a three-man cast speaking a distracting mix of accents, playwright Ian Bruce's story has plenty of grit and intensity but Scott Elliott's production lacks finesse and sharp edges at key moments.

In a mostly empty bed-and-breakfast on the inhospitable, western coast of South Africa, three men struggle for survival and dignity. Thami, played by the charming and elegant Souleymane Sy Savané is the manager at the motel which also employs the shabby and alcoholic Johan, played by the scenery-chewing David Lansbury. Johan, we gradually discover, was a policeman under Apartheid who senselessly, accidentally, murdered an unarmed black man. He spent time in prison and he now drifts angrily and aimlessly through life. Thami, meanwhile, has a poverty stricken family he wants to support; the end of Apartheid has not led to wealth or much happiness.

Both men need funding to open up a diamond-mining operation in the area. Enter wealthy retired businessman Smith, played by the seasoned Larry Bryggman. Smith is just passing through on vacation but soon finds himself being courted, and eventually threatened, by the pair to join their diamond scheme.

Class, race and the horrific legacy of apartheid all spill out over one highly nasty dinner party. Lansbury gives a bravely bug-eyed performance as the disgraced ex-cop; Savané has tons of natural charm and an understated stage presence; and Bryggman plays off both of them credibly. Luckily, Ian Bruce's script features well-fleshed-out characters as well as political red meat.

If you can ignore the uneven accents and the occasional preachy speech, you may find yourself deeply engrossed by this wrenching tale. Bruce's play has blunt urgency to recommend it, even if the overall production ought to cut deeper.