One of the most fundamental aspects of being human is a desire for connection. We seek those connections through romance and family and friendship, all in an effort to feel just a little less alone in a world that is too often cold and uncaring. When we find those connections, and cultivate them, our sphere expands and the space through which we move becomes just a little warmer.

But what happens when we lose those connections? And worse – what if we don’t even understand why?

“The Banshees of Inisherin,” the latest film from writer-director Martin McDonagh, asks that very question. And it isn’t about death or divorce or anything like that. It’s not about the loss of a family member or a spouse. No, this is about what happens when someone’s friend – their very dear friend – decides to not be a friend anymore.

From this seemingly simple idea, McDonagh unleashes multitudes. It’s an exploration of the toxic repression of emotion that was the masculine ideal for so many generations and how damaging the results of that repression can be. It delves into the value of connection, both in terms of celebrating its presence and mourning its absence. All of it refracted through the pitch-black prism of McDonagh’s dark and tragic sense of humor and brought to effusive, excruciating life by two actors at the top of their game.

Dervish to play at The Strand

ROCKLAND Dervish, the traditional Irish band who has performed internationally from the Great Wall of China to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, has launched another tour to promote their upcoming album 'The Thrush in the Storm.' And they're coming to The Strand Theatre in Rockland just in time for St. Patrick's Day.

Cathy Jordan, front woman and bodhran player, has been with Dervish since they formed in 1989. She was kind enough to grant us a phone interview despite gearing up for another international tour. She said the music people can expect will be varied, but all worthwhile.