As darkness falls and silence envelops the world, mysterious encounters await in the depths of the forest at O’Brien’s farm in St. John’s. From October 25 to 30, Double Sure theatre invites visitors on nighttime hikes filled with tales steeped in history and Irish folklore, in collaboration with the O’Brien Farm foundation.
Established in the 1800s by the O’Brien family, the farm remains operational to this day, with a rich heritage of Irish culture passed down through generations via storytelling and folklore. Patrick Foran, co-founder of Double Sure Theatre, explains that the stories shared during the After Dark experience are inspired by collected ghost stories and Irish folklore, creating an eerie ambiance around a crackling fire in the woods among strangers.
The After Dark at O’Brien Farm hike, initiated five years ago, has evolved over time. In 2022, playwrights were hired to expand and dramatize the stories, with performances now featuring local actors such as Andrew Tremblett, Brandon Cave, Shelia Guy Murphy, and Marie Jones. The narratives take participants on a journey through encounters with mythical beings like the Banshee and dark fairies, culminating in an eerie ghost story involving a headless funeral procession, inspired by local lore.
Aaron Rogers, the general manager of O’Brien Farms, emphasizes the importance of preserving the farm’s history and heritage through initiatives like the haunted hike. He recounts eerie experiences while working on the property, including finding a mummified cat in the walls of Thimble Cottage, a house from the 1850s on the farm. Rogers underscores the significance of continuing the storytelling tradition of blue-collar Irish farmers, shedding light on the farm’s historical roots.
The After Dark haunted hike not only serves as a fundraiser but also as a means to delve into the farm’s past, keeping alive the stories of Irish immigrants who made their mark in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Irish heritage and the enduring fascination with the supernatural that draws visitors back year after year.
