"Every action we carry out, every experience we undergo, insofar as it impacts upon the emotions leaves a trace in the mind. The stronger the emotion the deeper the mark that it leaves” - Babuji Maharaj
Samskaras investigates the Hindu concept of Impressions – or Samskaras – and the effect of impressions on the mind and the perception of sensations on the body. With musical arrangements by Dara O’Brien and design by David Crowley, this new contemporary dance performance explores feelings and images remembered from a journey that choreographer and dancer Sara Hernández, made across India in early 2015.
Samskaras was developed in partnership with Cork Midsummer Festival and Firkin Crane Dance Centre. It was supported by a Ceist research residency and premiered at Cork Midsummer Festival 2017.
Catalan Sara Hernández studied classical dance at Barcelona’s Institut del Teatre and contemporary dance at Area Dansa Barcelona. She toured Europe and Israel as a performer before settling in Cork, where she has collaborated with Inma Pavon and Helga Deasy.
Originally from Germany, Helga Deasy is a dance artist and choreographer based in Cork. She studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London. Her creative practice spans solo and ensemble work, cross-disciplinary collaborations including theatre, visual art, film and music as well as working in a range of community contexts. Helga has performed and presented her work both nationally and internationally and since 2017, she is the Dance Artist in Residence at Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre.
Dr Dara O’Brien is a composer, performer, music educator and music therapist. He has extensive experience composing and performing music for contemporary dance, working with a number of choreographers and companies in both stage productions and film. He lectures at UCC music department and works as a music therapist in the field of autism. He also plays guitar in the psychedelic punk rock band, Crab Seal Teeth.
Choreographer and Performer: Sara Hernández
Co- Choreographer and Performer:Helga Deasy
Musical arrangements: Dara O’Brien
Design: David Crowley Design
Photographer: Shane J Horan Photography
Costumes: Aoife Nolan Designer
Producer: Dermot Browne