Katherine O’Dell is an Irish theater legend. Every moment of her life is a performance, with her daughter, Norah, standing in the wings. However, with age, alcohol and dimming stardom, Katherine’s grip on reality grows fitful. Fueled by a proud and long-simmering rage, she commits a bizarre crime.

As Norah’s role gradually changes to Katherine’s protector, caregiver and, finally, legacy-keeper, she revisits her mother’s life of fiercely kept secrets. In turn, Norah confronts the secrets of her own sexual and emotional coming-of-age.

With virtuosic storytelling, ACTRESS weaves together two generations of women with difficult sexual histories, touching a raw and timely nerve.