Arts briefs: 'Barbara Forever' screening, a new 'Hamlet' adaptation and Aaron Lee Tasjan

UMass professor Harley Erdman to present illuminated lecture on 'Queen Esther'

Four centuries ago, a Spanish play about a famous Bible story got its author thrown in jail for heresy. Later this month, a local playwright will help give the play justice by telling it in an uncommon form of theater. Harley Erdman, a playwright, translator, dramaturg and professor of theater at the University of Massachusetts […]

At Forbes Library, the fears and hopes of Ukraine's children on display

In a painting by 13-year-old Evelina, a girl in a children’s hospital looks out a window as a plane drops bombs just outside. A stuffed bunny, colored pencils and a stack of books sit nearby. In 12-year-old Roman’s painting, a soldier in a trench hides his face in fear as a city behind him goes […]

Guest columnist Tanya Edwards: His flag

My dad called the flag in front of our house, on the telephone pole, his flag. Every year he would come in all excited. “You know what happened today?” “What?” “My flag went up.” His name was Francis Kenneth Edwards. Most people called him Ed or Finn.  My father was a Marine who served in […]

Guest columnist William Lambers: Armistice Day: Build peace, protect veterans' SNAP benefits

Lt. Col. Will Brown was on a mission during World War I that took an unexpected turn. Brown was in southern France with the U.S. Army. He was checking out road conditions as the U.S. and Allies looked to finally defeat Germany and the Central Powers.  But his mission changed very quickly. Lt. Col. Brown […]

Michele Ann McHale

<html><head></head><body>Michele Ann McHale<br /><br />Easthampton, MA - On October 6, 2026, Michele Ann McHale of Easthampton, MA passed away following a long and difficult second battle with cancer. The youngest child of 5 siblings, Michele was born ...