Michael Seaver

Dancing from West to East
They might appear an odd couple. She is pretty and petite, of Indian descent with a well-spoken English accent, sitting straight-backed on the edge of a couch. He is a tall Connemara lad, quick to grin and sprawled on a chair that seems a bit too small for him. If you want to know what brings them together look down to the floor: it's their feet.

(The Irish Times, May 31)

Stepping out on her own
"Well Jean, it's been a while coming." And it has. Three years after beginning work on her first solo programme, Jean Butler will premiere Does She Take Sugar? at Project on Wednesday. "It has been a while alright, but I'm really glad it didn't happen three years ago," she answers. "The original idea was over-ambitious and the work has needed the three years to breathe and get a sense of itself." This patient chiselling away at Does She Take Sugar? shows the importance of the project for Butler.

(The Irish Times, April 10)

Moving Memories
Many artists struggle to describe their work, but when Wendy Houstoun mentions Desert Island Discs as the inspiration for her latest piece, you know exactly what she is talking about. Even if you've never listened to the BBC4 radio show, you probably know the device: a guest chooses eight pieces of music, a book and a luxury item that they would take with them if cast away on a desert island.

(The Irish Times)