Jean Butler is a New York City-based choreographer and performer.
Best known as a practitioner of Irish Dance, Butler originated the female principal roles and co-choreographed Riverdance The Show and Dancing on Dangerous Ground - she is currently a Lecturer in Irish Studies at New York University. Her new duet, this is an Irish dance, created with Belfast-based cellist Neil Martin, plays at Dublin's Project Arts Centre from 08-11 February.
Film: The 100 Year Show/Nothing Left Unsaid
I would highly recommend two documentaries about extraordinary women: The 100 Year Show, about artist Carmen Herrera, a pioneering Cuban-American abstract painter who reached fame in her ninties, and Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper. I grew up in the '70’s very near one of the Vanderbilt Estates in Long island, and my mom wore Gloria Vanderbilt jeans – the first truly designer jean brand. But Gloria Vanderbilt was way ahead of her time in so many ways. Both Carmen and Gloria have had full lives as mothers and wives and artists. They inspire me because they get on with it, and do the things they love with honest commitment and without the craving for validation or affirmation. Carmen has to paint everyday - it is like oxygen for her. And on the big screen – Sing Street was an absolute total delight!
Book: Words Without Music by Phillip Glass
Phillip Glass’s Autobiography spoke to me both in tone and content. He was a New York taxi driver during a very dangerous time in the city, an artist assistant, a carpenter, and a plumber… I began the book because I was interested in his process and curious how he would write about it. But I became far more interested in him as a person. He lived an entire life making odds and ends to allow him to make his music until finally - in is forties - he began to make enough money from his music to just make music.
Play: Long Day's Journey Into Night
I was lucky enough to see some truly incredible performances on stage this past year, both in Ireland and New York. Highlights include Gabriel Byrne in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day's Journey Into Night, Ciaran Hines in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, directed by Ivan Van Hoe, and Stephen Rea in David Ireland’s Cyprus Avenue. I was also unfortunate enough to miss Marie Mullen in Druid’s Production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh at BAM - which is only a few blocks from my house in Brooklyn! Coming up. however, I would give my right arm and leg to see Cherry Jones in Tennessee Williams' Glass Menagerie.
TV: The Graham Norton Show
Top Chef on Thursday nights - phones off and on the couch! I love my weekly dose of Tom Colicchio - he is so smart about food and cooking and there is nothing sexier than someone who really knows their stuff and makes it feel effortless. And The Graham Norton Show - which we get on BBC America. I’ve been a fan for YEARS! I think he is just brilliant. It’s great to watch someone just get better and better at what they do - and Graham started off brilliant, so it’s mind-boggling.
Gig: Hozier
In October, I was honored at New York’s Irish Arts Center Spirit of Ireland Gala alongside CEO Ursula Byrne and Hozier. Hozier graced the stage and sang a few songs, with just a guitar and mic, 5 feet away from my seat. That to me, felt like a really nice gig.
Art: Elliot Puckette
I am slightly obsessed with the painter Elliot Puckette - an artist who celebrates decorative beauty and abstract femininity. There is an enormous amount of movement but also restraint that makes her work relate very much to dance composition and choreography. In my mind I see the act of making, the act of painting… and it is intoxicating and inspiring. I would love to work with her on something.
Radio/Podcast: Desert Island Discs
My husband is the podcast specialist in our house and BBC World Service, Front Row and Woman’s Hour are always on. I also adore Desert Island Discs with a glass of wine in a very hot bath!
Tech:
I’d like to reduce technology in my life - so can I suggest a trip to a library or book store?
The Next Big Thing:
There is nothing bigger than what is going on in our world right now - between Trump, Brexit, The Middle East, global warming - the widespread instability and insanity all around us, and the truly terrifying threat of terrorism. As people we need to protest, as artists we need to respond, as humans we need to remain compassionate.
