If you're like me, and you don't watch local TV news, you won't have heard this upsetting story, which I was alerted to by the Helen Hayes Awards folks: Emily Fenichel, an awards judge who was also associated with Venus Theatre, died last night after being hit by a Metrobus in Friendship Heights.
Deborah Randall, of Venus Theatre, said this in a posting on the DC-Theatre Yahoo group:
Emily and I last communicated a few months ago through email where she offered help and abundant encouragement regarding the Venus Play Shack. She said was working for another non-profit called Zero to Three, which she seemed very passionate about. I told her it was a busy time but I'd like to get back to her about it...she said there was no rush we could do it later. ...
It's already been said that acting was her passion. I concur. It's difficult when we lose one of those loving spirits so willing to share and grow. Just praying she did not suffer and certain she left the world a much better place than it was before.
Fenichel was 64, according to news reports. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.
One of our cast members passed this accident Thursday night and was talking about it in the dressing room last night. He didn't know who the victim was. I'm horrified to find out it was Emily.
I met Emily at a Helen Hayes function this year and chatted with her at length. She seemed like a lovely person - interested, interesting and articulate. What a terrible loss.
Posted by: mrsmig | Saturday, 10 June 2006 at 08:39
Emily was student of mine in a class I taught at Woolly. She was a gentle, funny, brave person. Such a loss.
Posted by: Fromage | Monday, 12 June 2006 at 19:26
I worked on a short reading for Venus Theatre with Emily and she was a wonderfuly smart and exciting person. This is very sad.
Posted by: HWhitpan | Wednesday, 14 June 2006 at 14:19
Emily's husband, Robert, has set up a memorial page at http://fenichel.net/pages/family/Emily.htm which includes a lovely picture that captures Emily spirit.
My offices share space with Zero to Three, and they are working to set up a memorial fund. As soon as I hear more, I'll post it here. She was clearly a cherished member of her organization.
On my first day a few weeks ago, Emily saw me and exclaimed, "Kate! You're dressed!" in reference to the "Fat Pig" posters. Work isn't the same without her great sense of humor.
Posted by: KateD | Wednesday, 14 June 2006 at 18:53