As darkness falls and silence envelops the world, the mysterious wonders of the woods come alive at O’Brien’s farm in St. John’s. From October 25 to 30, Double Sure theatre is leading visitors on captivating nighttime hikes filled with historical tales and Irish folklore, in collaboration with the O’Brien Farm foundation.
Established by the O’Brien family in the 1800s, the farm remains operational to this day, with a rich heritage of Irish culture interwoven with storytelling and folklore traditions. Double Sure Theatre co-founder Patrick Foran explains that the stories shared during the After Dark event are derived from ghost stories and Irish folklore, creating an eerie ambiance as they unfold around a crackling fire in the midst of the woods, surrounded by a small group of strangers.
The After Dark at O’Brien Farm hike was initiated five years ago, evolving over time to include commissioned playwrights and performances by local actors like Andrew Tremblett, Brandon Cave, Shelia Guy Murphy, and Marie Jones. The experience commences with a chilling tale of the Banshee, leading participants into encounters with dark fairies and the Dullahan, a mystical being seeking souls for the underworld. Ghost stories inspired by the O’Brien family’s own recordings add an extra layer of intrigue to the evening.
Aaron Rogers, the general manager of O’Brien Farms, shares spooky encounters from his time working on the farm, including discovering a mummified cat within the walls of Thimble Cottage, a structure dating back to the 1850s. Rogers emphasizes the farm’s commitment to preserving Irish heritage and the narratives of blue-collar Irish farmers who settled in Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting the haunted hike as a means of fundraising and delving into the farm’s historical roots.
By offering a platform for continuing the storytelling tradition of the working class, the haunted hike not only raises funds but also serves as a gateway to exploring the farm’s past. The event encapsulates the essence of mystery and imagination, drawing visitors back year after year to experience the captivating allure of the O’Brien Farm after dark.