A Friendship in 3 Acts

by Ronni Diamond

Act I

In 1968 I arrive at GWU, 17 years old – fresh from NY – full of hope, ambition and very raw talent. I meet Nathan Garner – Nate – 10 years my senior, sandy haired, boyishly handsome – Technical Director of the Theatre Department – full of passion and energy for teaching. The Vietnam War is raging – GW is the epicenter of the anti-war movement and the changes sweeping the country. The theatre department is a haven, a place to experiment and to challenge ourselves. Nate is open, fearless, insistent, encouraging, not only to me, but to all who care about the theatre. For four years he is my teacher, my director, and my friend. This is the Act of Opening.

Act II

In 1972 I graduate from GW – and two weeks later I get married. Nate warns me that I am too young. He is right, but I won’t find that out until much later. We lose touch. For several years my connection with the theatre stops while raising a family. In 1980 I begin taking Continuing Education classes at West Chester State College in West Chester, PA. There I meet Vicki Walsh – a tall, red-headed beauty –10 years my junior – full of wit, enthusiasm and passion for the theatre. We become close friends – my young daughters love her. When she decides to attend graduate school, I encouraged her to choose GW. I tell her that she will love Nate Garner – and I am right! Nate is back in my life.

This Act is full of drama. My husband and I divorce. Nate and Vicki marry. My two daughters grow up and Vicki & Nate are part of our close circle. Their children arrive and grow and so does the circle. Nate continues teaching, I become a playwright, and we share our love for the theatre once again. I fall in love with Joe, and his two daughters are added to our circle. Life is full and our connection is strong. This is the Act of Reunion and Renewal.

Act III

Time and change speed up. We are all getting older. Joe and I and the 4 girls attend Nate’s 50^th birthday – a wonderful, extravaganza thrown by Vicki – Nate is surrounded by so many people he has influenced and encouraged – so much love and appreciation. Over the years we spend time together at the Walsh birthday parties, visiting DC, time together in Philly and at our cabin on the Chesapeake Bay. Our lives are intertwined. My youngest daughter becomes a vet and lives with Nate & Vicki while doing a rotation at the National Zoo. Now, as an adult, she appreciates my wonderful teacher, my wonderful friends and their terrific guys.

When we said goodbye last July 4^th weekend, I could not know that it would be the last time I would see Nate. He has been a huge presence in my life. Our paths and our families have been intertwined. I am going to miss him. The curtain fell too soon. This is the Act of Realization and Resolution. Life without Art is an empty endeavor. Nathan Garner knew the Art of Living.