When you’re Black, queer and Catholic in a Caribbean household, which higher order do you bow down to: Queen Bey or white Jesus? Jamal Gerald would rather light a candle and worship celebrities than white saints, namely his idol: patron saint of empowerment, Beyoncé.
Combining African diasporic ritual, storytelling, movement and live music played by singer-songwriter Pariss Elektra and percussionist Azizi Cole, Idol is a spiritual journey that asks what happens when you don’t see yourself represented.
Idol is coming to The Yard Theatre ahead of a tour, what can you tell us about it?
It follows my journey of growing up Catholic, but also being obsessed with celebrity culture. It eventually leads into me learning about the Orishas, who are deities from the Yoruba religion from West Africa. It’s a combination of storytelling , movement, African diasporic rituals and live music played by Pariss Elektra and Azizi Cole.
What inspired you to write Idol?
I wanted to focus on answering these two questions:
- What happens when you see Black representation?
- What happens when you don’t see it?
I’m very passionate about Black representation. I believe it is important for myself and others who look like me, to see themselves represented.
Did you find it challenging to combine all these important parts of your own identity?
No.
What opportunities does taking it on tour give you?
The opportunity to engage with other Black people outside of the Yorkshire region. I made this work with Black people in mind.
What excites you most about being able to perform your own work?
I mostly get excited when the show is over. I’m more excited by the thought of getting through a show. But I mostly care about connecting with fellow Black people and having conversations about the work.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Idol?
It tastes like rum and lemonade. Smells like incense.
Main Image: Jamal Gerald in Idol credit JMA Photography
