Born on Limerick’s Wolfe Tone Street in 1929, a series of incredible events led Constance Smith to Hollywood fame in the 1950s when she starred in over 30 films and presented at the 1952 Academy Awards. Her defiant stand against the pervasive casting couch culture in an era of systemic abuse ended her career and she died finally in obscurity and poverty, her ashes thrown on an unmarked scatter ground, her legacy – even in her hometown – overlooked.

Written and created by award-winning Limerick playwrights, Ann Blake and Joanne Ryan, CONNIE blends live performance, archival film, and an original score recorded with the Irish Chamber Orchestra to give audiences a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

CONNIE is made possible with the support of The Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Limerick City and County Council, Limerick and Clare ETB, Limerick Arts Office, GMA Community Initiative, Limerick Festivals and Events, and the International Music and Art Foundation

CONNIE was commissioned by Ormston House and is presented by Joanne Ryan in partnership with Ormston House, Lime Tree Theatre, Irish Chamber Orchestra, Film in Limerick, Dance Limerick, lyric fm, Piquant, Mary Immaculate College, Pure Electrical, Limerick Cleaning, Limerick Post, No. 1 Pery Square Hotel and Spa and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.