The Resurrectionist

by Ryan Stevens

When Kitt, whose job is to dig up dead bodies for science, finds Audrey’s corpse and Audrey sits up and starts talking, the two form a strange connection. Audrey wants to embrace life now that she has been given a second chance, even as her body continues to decay. Kitt, her whole worldview shaken by this new presence, finds herself drawn to her undead new friend and the promise of new understanding. At the same...

When Kitt, whose job is to dig up dead bodies for science, finds Audrey’s corpse and Audrey sits up and starts talking, the two form a strange connection. Audrey wants to embrace life now that she has been given a second chance, even as her body continues to decay. Kitt, her whole worldview shaken by this new presence, finds herself drawn to her undead new friend and the promise of new understanding. At the same time, Audrey’s mother Avery works to cope with the loss of her daughter, and the nagging suspicion that she might not actually be gone. A play about love, identity, the soul beyond the body, and how we live when our selves are decaying.

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The Resurrectionist

Recommended by

  • Elizabeth Hawkins: The Resurrectionist by Ryan Stevens
    “

    What a fascinating take on finding oneself. Really lyrical and beautiful.

    What a fascinating take on finding oneself. Really lyrical and beautiful.

    ”
  • Elizabeth A. M. Keel: The Resurrectionist by Ryan Stevens
    “

    A tight comedy with three killer female roles! My favorite line was, "Mountains are always mountains, but good luck navigating one range with the map of another." I really appreciated the intelligence and zestfulness of this piece. It's quite a thought experiment, simple enough once presented, but so achingly human in its execution. Kitt's profession is one that I have not seen onstage - except as a male, creepy, horror-centric subplot - and it was fascinating to watch her navigate the ethics of it.

    A tight comedy with three killer female roles! My favorite line was, "Mountains are always mountains, but good luck navigating one range with the map of another." I really appreciated the intelligence and zestfulness of this piece. It's quite a thought experiment, simple enough once presented, but so achingly human in its execution. Kitt's profession is one that I have not seen onstage - except as a male, creepy, horror-centric subplot - and it was fascinating to watch her navigate the ethics of it.

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: The Resurrectionist by Ryan Stevens
    “

    A beautiful, tender short play with dialogue that moves briskly and is both spare and profound. Stevens explores loneliness, connection, and grief in this humorous and poignant piece. Kitt, Audrey, and Avery's arcs are satisfying and surprising. This was a truly unique read that I'd love to see in production--its theatricality begs to be brought to life onstage.

    A beautiful, tender short play with dialogue that moves briskly and is both spare and profound. Stevens explores loneliness, connection, and grief in this humorous and poignant piece. Kitt, Audrey, and Avery's arcs are satisfying and surprising. This was a truly unique read that I'd love to see in production--its theatricality begs to be brought to life onstage.

    ”
View all 10 recommendations
Kitt: F. Late 20’s/ early 30’s. Resurrectionist.
Audrey Dean: F. Late 20’s/ early 30’s. Dead.
Avery Dean: F. 50’s. Audrey’s mother.
Prof. Holmes: M. 50’s-60’s. University Scholar.

Development History

  • Workshop, Boston Court Pasadena, 2021
  • Workshop, Great Plains Theatre Conference PlayLab, 2019
  • Reading, UCLA TFT, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, Queen City Theatre, 2023

Awards

  • Great Plains Theatre Conference
    Selection
    2019
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Playwrights Foundation
    Finalist
    2019