Stepping Into Richard Hannay's Shoes

We’ve all heard that art imitates life. Maybe you’ve had acute moments in your own life where this idea rang true for you. I know I have. Moments that remind us that the human condition is universal. While we ourselves are unique and individual, our throughline of experiences, feelings, conditions, pains, and joy carry with them a familiarity and commonality with one another. Art reminds us of this.

I was reminded of this when I first read The 39 Steps. At its core, a story of someone reaching for meaning and purpose. Down on his luck, sitting with apathy and selfishness, and not quite sure how to remedy his current status. He’s stuck. Then, through a series of unexpected events and encounters, he’s faced with the question: “Do I fold or do I fly?” Yes, this story has humor; it can feel light-hearted and fun, but the root of the story is one of transformation, the conscious choice of others over self, and ultimately reclaiming your purpose.

Speaking to my own experience, I’ve certainly experienced moments of feeling stuck. Choosing selfishness over selflessness. Playing the victim, denying the hero. Stepping into the shoes of Richard Hannay, I’m gifted the opportunity to feel this imitation firsthand returning to ECTC after Murder on the Orient Express. I catch glimpses of myself in Richard. I hope you will as well. The 39 Steps helps remind us of this. We’re all in this together.

Hayes as Samuel Ratchett in Season 13’s Murder on the Orient Express