DAMASCUS, PA – Farm Arts Collective presents a mind-bending evening of neuro-science and performance with researchers from the Waters Lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, NYC and performers from the Farm Arts Collective community. The presentations will focus on neuroscience, mental health, and innovative research in a remarkable evening of call and response between the disciplines of science and art.

Science Cabaret will be presented in a festive cabaret setting and hosted by Tannis Kowalchuk, artistic director of Farm Arts Collective, and Allison Waters, neuroscientist and laboratory director at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Four neuroscientists will each present their most cutting-edge research in neuroscience, neurotechnology and mental health treatment. Presentations will take the form of a “flash talk” in the style of science communication popularized by TED. The presenting scientists include internationally acclaimed neuroscientists Joe LeDoux, Helen Mayberg, Allison Watersand Ted Panov. 

Each scientist will be paired with a performer who will use the scientists’ research as inspiration for the creation of a new performance piece.  Following each of the scientists’ talk, the artists will present their creative response. Presenting artists include Char McCutcheon (songwriter/sound artist) Tannis Kowalchuk (actor/director), Jess Beveridge (actor), Mimi McGurl (writer/director).

The performance experience will also include, farm fresh food, refreshments, and a reception with the artists and scientists following the presentations.  

Performance is at Farm Arts Collective on Willow Wisp Organic Farm, 38 Hickory Lane, Damascus. Tickets: $30 at www.farmartscollective.org/or call 570-798-9530 

The Scientists 

• Joe LeDoux is a neuroscientist and Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at NYU. He is known for his groundbreaking research on the brain mechanisms of emotion, particularly fear and anxiety, and how these insights inform the treatment of mental illness. He recently collaborated with Werner Herzog in the film, Theater of Thought. 

• Helen Mayberg is a neurologist and Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She pioneered the use of deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression and leads translational research on the brain circuits underlying mood and recovery.

 • Ted Panov is a board-certified neurosurgeon and Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai in NYC. He conducts research and serves as the director of the Adult Epilepsy Surgery Program.  

• Allison Waters is a clinical neuroscientist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Mount Sinai in NYC. Allison leads a human brain electrophysiology lab dedicated to the enhancement of psychiatric treatment with emerging neurotechnologies. 

 The Artists

 • Jess Beveridge is company manager and founding ensemble performer with Farm Arts Collective. She is also the greenhouse manager at Willow Wisp Organic Farm. Current projects include Lucy Joseph, Alice in Scienceland, and Dream on the Farm. 

• Tannis Kowalchuk is the founding artistic director of Farm Arts Collective and the co-owner of Willow Wisp Organic Farm. She has directed and performed in over 30 original theatre productions in the US and Canada. Current projects include Dream on the Farm, Alice in Scienceland and Decompositions currently touring internationally. 

• Mimi McGurl is a theatre director, writer, and long-time member of Farm Arts Collective. Current projects include Lucy-Joseph (writer/director), Queer Woods (writer/presenter), Decompositions (Director).

 • Char McCutcheon is a composer, singer-songwriter and animal lover whose work spans indie pop/rock, sound design, and film scoring. Their sound blends emotional depth with sonic experimentation. 

For interviews contact Tannis Kowalchuk 917-566-7698.