In Memoriam

An original member of New York City’s Negro Ensemble Company and founding member of the Black Theater Alliance, The Black Theater Network, Buddy believed theater is a medium for preserving cultural history and exploring universal truth. Sharing stories is very much part of the African American Experience.

I am completely devastated that the brother who provided me with my first “very wide” platform to create and perform my artistic talent, has gone to glory. Buddy Butler meant so much to many people, but for me it was much deeper. We had a special bond that went way beyond. From the first time we met when we shared a stage, to him offering me a contract as music director at Black Arts West Theater in my hometown of Seattle, for their summer production of Dereck Walcott’s Ti-Jean and his Brothers, during summer break of my freshman year at Howard University. Buddy was an alum. Then on to Denver the next summer where we collaborated with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Bon Fils Theater Festival.  We have remained ace’s ever since. This time though, I was contracting him! To run Festival Theater. Buddy left me with one last message. I’m going to keep it to myself. Thank you Buddy!