I can’t remember how I found out about the podcast “Resurrection”, however, what I do remember is how quickly I connected to it and to is host, Dane Stewart. I’ve been an avid listener of both seasons of the podcast, and now Dane is bringing the show to Montreal live! I got to ask Dane some questions about the Resurrection stage show, what’s next for the podcast, and the inspiration behind it all.

Could you please introduce yourself to my readers and share a bit about your role with Resurrection?

My name is Dane Stewart, and I’m the creator and host of the ‘Resurrection’ podcast. In addition to ‘Resurrection,’ I’ve worked across various disciplines to create and share stories about queer history. I’ve been a playwright, actor, podcast producer, and have done some audio-visual exhibits in the past.

Now, I’ve transformed the podcast into a theatrical production, also called ‘Resurrection,’ which is premiering at Centaur Theatre’s WinterWorks Festival in Montreal in March. ‘Resurrection’ is a 90-minute documentary theatre production about AIDS activist and musician Michael Callen—his music, his activism, and his legacy. The show blends cabaret, storytelling, and documentary film. Expect live music, compelling history, and some out-of-the-box video design. I’m the show’s playwright and I’m also performing in it as myself, guiding audiences through his incredible story.

What inspired you to create the first season of Resurrection?

’Resurrection’ is a podcast that shares the stories of ordinary queer people whose lives were impacted by HIV and AIDS. The first season was a serialized narrative, similar to podcasts like S-Town: one man’s story told over 8 episodes. The first season is about a little-known amateur playwright named Daryl Allen, who died from AIDS-related illness in 1991, before he had the chance to produce any of his theatrical work professionally.

I was inspired to share the story when I met Daryl Allen’s ex-boyfriend, Dan Wiley, in Montreal back in 2016. Dan and I met at a gay bar and became fast friends. After seeing a play I wrote and produced, Dan shared one of Daryl’s unpublished theatrical scripts along with hundreds of pages of Daryl’s handwritten love letters, which transported me into Daryl’s life. As a playwright myself, I felt a strong connection to Daryl. And, as a gay man born in 1991, I felt a strong desire to give voice to queer individuals whose stories were never fully told due to the AIDS crisis. Uncovering Daryl’s life became a mission to honor his voice and share his legacy.

You’re bringing the show to its hometown of Montreal, and it’s going live! What has that process been like?

Bringing ‘Resurrection’ to Centaur Theatre in Montreal has been a surprisingly fulfilling journey. I haven’t worked in theatre for six years—I had wondered if perhaps that chapter of my life had closed. However, when I was researching Michael Callen for the podcast and I first listened to his music, I was struck by a lightning bolt of creative electricity. His songs felt alive and oddly urgent, and I knew they belonged on stage. It was a moment of profound inspiration that reignited my passion for theatrical storytelling.

An unexpectedly rewarding part of this process has been connecting with two friends from childhood—I perform the show with Andrew Morrisey and Andrew Boudreau, both of whom I grew up with in Truro, Nova Scotia. When I first heard Michael’s music, I was immediately reminded of Andrew Morrisey’s campy cabaret style—he’s a singer, living in New York City. This connection felt serendipitous, and I knew he was the perfect fit to bring Michael’s story to life. Andrew Boudreau’s exceptional talent as a jazz pianist adds another layer of depth and emotion to the show.

I’ve also been lucky to connect with an incredible team to breathe life into the show. Adam Capriolo is working tirelessly as our director and video designer. The show incorporates a huge amount of video design—including never-before-seen archival video of Michael Callen. Adam’s vision pulls together this video design alongside our live performances. It’s really quite special. 

This process has been more than just a production; it’s been a meaningful reunion and a rediscovery of my love for theatre. Collaborating with people who have been part of my life for so long has added a special kind of magic to the project. I can’t wait to share this show with Montreal audiences and celebrate Michael Callen’s legacy with the community that has shaped me.

Season 2 of Resurrection was so informative and eye-opening. What was it like researching for those episodes?

I called season two of Resurrection, ‘Heroes of the Early Years.’ The season explores the early years of the AIDS crisis, focusing on individuals who made significant contributions to AIDS activism in the year before ACT UP was founded.

Researching these stories was profound and moving. I felt it was crucial to highlight the work of lesser-known activists like Joe Sonnabend, Bobbi Campbell, and Michael Callen. It was an emotional journey, uncovering the early activism that laid the groundwork for later movements. It also felt incredibly relevant at times—there’s a lot we can learn from AIDS activists about how to respond to present-day homophobia and transphobia directed at our communities from government institutions. 

As a queer person, I often feel an indigo sadness—molecular—when researching AIDS history. It overwhelms me to think about how many stories remain untold. But, that’s part of what inspires me to continue doing this work. It is incredibly motivating to share this history through the podcast and now with audiences at Centaur Theatre.

Are there any future plans for Resurrection?

There are always future plans for ‘Resurrection’! Right now, we’re incredibly excited about our show at Centaur Theatre and looking forward to sharing it with new audiences. After that, we hope to bring the show to New York City. Michael Callen did most of his activist work in New York City—so I know the show would have a deep connection and impact on New York audiences.

The podcast is also continuing! We’re looking forward to releasing season three, ‘The Ghost Writer,’ in 2025. I’m deep in production for that season at this very moment. Season three will be more personal—get ready to dive into some of the intricacies of my family and our psyches.

I’m also currently exploring the possibility of adapting some of our podcast stories for documentary film. Nothing is set in stone yet, but we’re working on some exciting applications to get those projects rolling. Lots to look forward to!

I want to thank Dane for taking the time to answer my questions. You can catch Resurrection on stage in Montreal at Centaur Theatre from March 11 – 15 as part of Winter Works. For more information and tickets, visit: Resurrection! | Centaur Theatre

---

Thank you to my Patrons:

N. Bushnik, S. Fisher, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:

Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, and Caitlin

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox