Remembering The Grace and Talent of ARITA TRAHAN

Despite knowing that the time would come, I am still staggered by the news of Arita Trahan's passing last weekend. Although she had moved from Nashville some years back - living in Los Angeles and Philadelphia after leaving Tennessee - she always remained a member of our theater family, one of the leading lights among the scores of talented people who have called our city home over the years.

During her time in Nashville and since, she has left an indelible mark on my life and upon the Nashville theater community. She will always be remembered as a beautiful, soulful, gracious and loving woman who, even in her final days, was intent on helping others through her end-of-life experience, which was chronicled through social media and personal interactions with all the people she loved and who loved her back.

> A memorial service, in celebration of the life of Arita Trahan, has been scheduled for Monday, June 22, at 5 p.m. at the Belcourt Theatre in Nashville. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., according to Arita's dear friend Holly Butler. <

In the photograph accompanying this story, she holds the First Night Award she won for her performance in Circle Players' production of Wendy Wasserstein's The Sisters Rosensweig, which she added to the one she had already won for her performance in Actors' Playhouse of Nashville's Burn This, directed by Lane Wright. I met Arita through theater, of course, and I remember being awestruck by her talent and slightly intimidated by her confidence and joie de vivre - as I got to know her in the intervening years, I found her honest, forthright and down-to-earth, with a smile as big as her heart. To know Arita Trahan was to be in her thrall, mesmerized by her openness and rightfully awestruck by her devotion to her craft.

My favorite memories of Arita include the time when daylight savings time started on Easter Sunday and we were hosting a huge Easter brunch at our home in Historic Germantown. I'd forgotten to change the clocks for the time change and as I leisurely read the Tennessean and drank coffee, waiting for the perfect time to put the finishing touches on the food, decor and myself...the doorbell rung...it was Arita, who was impeccably attired and perfectly on-time. She informed me of the correct time, put down her handbag, rolled up her sleeves and pitched in to save me from becoming a social pariah. As always, she was the perfect guest.

Another time, I ran into her in the lobby of Actors Playhouse of Nashville prior to a show. It was she who told me that she had been at an audition when casting directors were hoping to fill the role of "Jeff Ellis" in an upcoming episode of America's Most Wanted. She ended up playing the part of the victim's mother in the piece and I ended up being interviewed, with an actor "playing" me in the dramatic reenactment.

There are many memories from her onstage performances that continue to fill my heart: How could I ever forget her? She was dazzling and searing, multi-layered and riveting...I wish those of you who never had the opportunity to be in the audience of one of her shows could somehow travel back in time to witness her artistry.

Considering the wealth of talent found on Nashville stages in the past quarter century, Arita Trahan is one of those people who worked so hard, who toiled so diligently to elevate local theater as we now know it. Those of you who weren't here then have no idea of what transpired before you, most likely, but Arita is one of the people you owe much to as you pursue your craft today. How I wish you had seen her in her prime!

I wish Nashville were a real theater town, with a theater district filled with marquees and lots of neon so that we could dim the lights in her memory. For if Arita Trahan is anything, she is memorable - and I know that I can never forget her. And neither should you.

When news of Arita's death circulated through her Nashville theater community on Saturday, the tributes and reminiscences of her theatrical family began to circulate. We share some of the most moving tributes...

Holly Butler: Arita was my closest friend, and my spiritual cheerleader. She was always there to guide me through any emotional challenges I had over the years. We shared a passion for theatre, and our deepest dreams with each other. Just two weeks before her passing, I visited Arita in Philadelphia, and although she was weak, I was amazed at how luminous she looked, and how interested she still was in hearing all about me. When she asked me to read her my lines for the play I'm currently rehearsing, I felt a little ashamed to take focus, but she relished in coaching my scenes that day, and as always she was brilliant! When I was done, she said simply, "I love acting." I'll never forget the moment.

Lane Wright: I am saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most positive, energetic, and lovely people I have ever known. I was fortunate to get to know Arita Trahn through working with her as an actor and director, and I was glad to be able to call her a friend, too. Here is one of my favorite photos of her (alongside Jessejames Locorriere), when I had the privilege to direct her in Lanford Wilson's Burn This. She was wonderful in this production, as she was in every show I ever saw her do. And I'll miss her terribly.

Suzanne Sadler: I woke up for no reason at 1:30 a.m. and could not go back to sleep until six. I lay there thinking of Arita and wondering. Now I know. We all feel the loss of this beautiful soul.

Melissa Carelli: I love this woman! Arita was a wonderful friend and an inspiration, both creatively and spiritually. She shines bright in the hearts of those who knew her. I directed her in Crimes of the Heart...1988. She brought a gentle, vulnerability to Lenny. How lucky am I to have had her cross my path.

Brenda Sparks: My dear Arita, I learned of your passing right before teaching my Zumba class this morning. Through tears I proposed a dedication workout in your name. If you could have seen all of these beautiful, vibrant woman celebrating their lives, dancing with abandon, sweating, smiling, and working so hard to send you energy and light. It's just the kind of celebration you would have appreciated. I am so sad we won't be able to carry on the way we have this past year, but I'm so thankful we left nothing unsaid. And just as you told me, I'll know when I'm riding my horse and feel a little snug in the saddle, it's because you're hitching a ride and you're right there with me. So much love to you and your beautiful family.

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