Resurrection

Resurrection is about the life, death, and work of Kansas-born Daryl Allen. His name may not mean much to most listeners as they begin this podcast, but soon, he'll become familiar and riveting. Daryl was a queer playwright who traveled through the US and Canada. He died of AIDS in 1991, leaving behind a legacy that would have been forever lost. Thanks to this podcast's host, ordinary Daryl's extraordinary life transcends into the present. Over thirty years after his death, a man born the same year he died resurrects him.

Dane Stewart is Daryl's storyteller, historian, LGBTQIA+ champion, and Resurrection podcast host. He is a playwright and director of several shows, including The History of Sexuality. At age 18, Dane left a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada, for the vibrant and more accepting Montreal. Before his move, he had struggled with his sexuality. All that changed upon arrival in Montreal. His story intertwines with that of the podcast's primary subject, Daryl. The podcast tells a beautiful, haunting tale of love, courage, and tragedy.

Though the podcast focuses on the life and work of Daryl, it also tells the story of the larger queer community. It reveals past queer struggles, triumphs, and breakthroughs that shape today's queer community. Known as an all-around kind person, like the host, Daryl was a playwright. He wrote about his struggle with his sexuality in the Vietnam War and past relationships. Resurrection interviewees described him as having a joy for life, talented and brave.

How did Dane find this extraordinary man? On August 14, 2016, Dane's five-year quest to tell Daryl's story began. On that day, he received a text from a friend, Daniel Wiley. The text was about someone Wiley had dated in the late 70s to early 80s who was a playwright and had several unpublished scripts. That was the beginning of a journey that culminated in Resurrection. Dane shares on the podcast that he loves to "nerd out on queer history," and his dedication is evident. The podcast is well-narrated, with commendable storytelling.