We are thrilled to introduce you to Hazel McIntire, one of the talented members of the PPA Alumni Theatre Company, In her play Go Before I Do, Hazel explores the beauty of small-town life, the complexities of memory, and the desire to hold onto the precious moments that shape our lives. We recently asked Hazel about her inspiration and journey in bringing this story to the stage.
What was the inspiration behind Go Before I Do?
Growing up in a small town, I think the thought is that you are sheltered from the world, but rather the world is just different. I may not live in that same small town, but I can look back and hold those memories with pride and joy. I wanted to show homage to all that is good and turn the perspective on growing up in a small town or living there.
Where did the title Go Before I Do come from, and how does it relate to the story?
The title comes from my hopes for my own personal feelings about death. I hope I get to enjoy all the moments of life, and selfishly maybe hope that I don’t have to see the heartache that comes with death.
If you had to describe this play in three words, what would they be?
Tribute, heartfelt, pride.
How much of the play is drawn from personal experience or stories you’ve encountered?
Go Before I Do is compiled almost completely from my life moments.
What was your writing process like for this piece?
I had initially written a poem with the same title and opted to use that thought process as the start for the play.
What’s your go-to snack or beverage when you’re deep in the writing zone?
I’m a bubbly water and something salty person—usually chips, but you have to have the chopsticks to eat the chips!
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received about writing?
I know Nike said it first, but "Just do it." You won’t get better, and it won’t get easier unless you do it.
How did your involvement with PPA shape your approach to writing this play?
PPA has shown me so many different styles of writing, which then gave me the confidence to tackle more than just a poem. PPA promoted my self-esteem in a way that told me I could do it, even if I didn’t think I could.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned during the process of writing this play?
Writing Go Before I Do was very therapeutic. It allowed me to reach back into memories that I still think about, but don’t always remember how precious they are. It also helped me connect with my father on a different level; I tried seeing things from his perspective, or how my moving away might seem. This play taught me that there are two sides to the same feeling.
What is one thing you hope people will take away from Go Before I Do?
My hope for this show is that people notice the smaller things—the moments that are often forgotten—and hold onto them for as long as possible. I also hope that, while watching this show, people who are on the outside of our daily lives get seen a little more. I wrote this show during a time of isolation when I longed for human contact, and seeing the mailman was such a win. I hope people remember how important those small interactions are, and how much we miss them when they’re gone.
Hazel’s heartfelt play Go Before I Do will be featured as part of As Told By Us running from November 14-17 at The Greenfinch Theater & Dive. Don’t miss your chance to experience this touching story along with Don’t Be a Hero, Thank You, written by Katherine Leemon. Tickets are available now—grab yours today!
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