Pastor Fi Dead

Synopsis

A churchyard in Leeds, UK, present day

Beatrix, a passionate Black trans woman, convinces her friends Ebony and Demetri to help her perform a sacrificial ritual on Pastor Wayne, who she believes murdered their friend Amayah. As they prepare to invoke ancestral spirits, tensions rise and loyalties are tested. Jamal Gerald’s “Pastor Fi Dead” is a gripping exploration of justice, spiritual beliefs, and the complexities of queer Black identity in contemporary Britain.

The play unfolds in real-time, with rapid-fire dialogue that oscillates between humor and intense debate. Gerald deftly weaves together discussions of racism, transphobia, religion, and activism, challenging his characters’ beliefs at every turn. As the ritual progresses, the line between righteous anger and dangerous obsession blurs, forcing Beatrix, Ebony, and Demetri to confront their own prejudices and motivations. Through its unflinching examination of revenge, faith, and community, “Pastor Fi Dead” asks provocative questions about how marginalized groups seek justice in a world that often fails them.