DAMASCUS, PA – Farm Arts Collective premieres Paradise Lost Scavenger Hunt, on July 24. It is the 6th performance installment of DREAM ON THE FARM, a decade-long series of climate change themed performances presented annually on Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus.  

Performances of Paradise Lost Scavenger Hunt will take place July 24 to August 3 at Farm Arts Collective’s new Agri-Cultural Center, with show days Thursday to Sunday at 6:30pm.

Inspired by John Milton’s 17th century poem “Paradise Lost,” Farm Arts Collective takes a contemporary look at what “paradise” means today. The collective of actors, musicians, writers, and farmers have created an original devised site-specific theatre event that explores the questions: What is your paradise? What have you lost? How will you find it again?  

Directed by Tannis Kowalchuk, the first act of Paradise Lost Scavenger Hunt begins inside the theatre and tells the story of God, Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden and Satan’s temptation. Composer, Doug Rogers uses selected texts from John Milton’s epic poem in a complex musical score sung and performed by the ensemble (including a young company of apprentices and players).  Director Tannis Kowalchuk has staged the performance using Japanese Noh Theatre design and structural concepts.

 When Adam and Eve eat from the tree of knowledge, they are expelled by God from Paradise. At this point, the audience follows them outside and partakes in a SCAVENGER HUNT across the 25-acre farmland.  The audience-teams will encounter a series of performances and interactive and immersive experiences on the farm walk including, a Lenape song station, an encounter with a Hickory Tree spirit, a stroll along a geological timeline, a meeting with “Scaretronic,” scarecrow, and more. 

 Appropriate footwear, and clothing is encouraged, as the show will be performed, even in light rain. Vehicle transport assist will be available for all shows.

Paradise Lost Scavenger Hunt proposes that contemporary humanity has gained remarkable knowledge overtime but in turn, is steadily harming the earth as extreme weather, technology, and social shifts are being felt everywhere. This performance asks how we can keep a connection to nature and each other while making new choices in our current post-paradise world.  

The performance ends with apple crisp, cider, and conversation.

Tickets can be purchased at www.farmartscollective.org/.

Farm Arts Collective is located at 38 Hickory Lane, Damascus, PA 18415