Second Skin

by Kristin Idaszak

When Quinn discovers her estranged mother is dying, she returns to a home she fled long ago. As she cares for her mother, Quinn wrestles with disturbing childhood memories. What is her mother’s secret? What do the bedtime stories of Selkies her mother once told her really mean? Told in three interconnected monologues, SECOND SKIN investigates the fraught relationship between mothers and daughters, and how one...

When Quinn discovers her estranged mother is dying, she returns to a home she fled long ago. As she cares for her mother, Quinn wrestles with disturbing childhood memories. What is her mother’s secret? What do the bedtime stories of Selkies her mother once told her really mean? Told in three interconnected monologues, SECOND SKIN investigates the fraught relationship between mothers and daughters, and how one mistake can reverberate across generations.

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Second Skin

Recommended by

  • Karen Saari: Second Skin by Kristin Idaszak
    “

    This stunning play achieves something special in that it flows over you with an almost poetic quality, while still building a sturdy arc that broke my heart multiple times. Thank you, Kristin Idaszak, for creating three amazing roles for women and what I believe would be a designer's dream.

    This stunning play achieves something special in that it flows over you with an almost poetic quality, while still building a sturdy arc that broke my heart multiple times. Thank you, Kristin Idaszak, for creating three amazing roles for women and what I believe would be a designer's dream.

    ”
  • John Bavoso: Second Skin by Kristin Idaszak
    “

    An absolutely gorgeous piece, full of longing and regret and mystery. Idaszak’s writing flows (pun mostly unintended) beautifully and effortlessly. I can imagine sitting in a theatre (or out on the beach) and hearing a pin drop as everyone is totally wrapped up in the story. Three great roles for actors and exciting opportunities for designers here. This one’s gonna stick with me for a while — highly recommended!

    An absolutely gorgeous piece, full of longing and regret and mystery. Idaszak’s writing flows (pun mostly unintended) beautifully and effortlessly. I can imagine sitting in a theatre (or out on the beach) and hearing a pin drop as everyone is totally wrapped up in the story. Three great roles for actors and exciting opportunities for designers here. This one’s gonna stick with me for a while — highly recommended!

    ”
  • Christopher Walsh: Second Skin by Kristin Idaszak
    “

    I love this script. I was lucky enough to see the 2018 WildClaw Theatre (Chicago) production. It's eerie and atmospheric, and makes brilliant use of horror and mythological elements to underscore the relationships at the heart of the story.

    I love this script. I was lucky enough to see the 2018 WildClaw Theatre (Chicago) production. It's eerie and atmospheric, and makes brilliant use of horror and mythological elements to underscore the relationships at the heart of the story.

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Development History

  • Workshop, Wagner New Play Festival, UCSD, 2015

Production History

  • Professional, WildClaw Theatre, 2018
  • Workshop, Flagship Ensemble and The West LA, 2016

Awards

  • The List
    The Kilroys
    Honorable Mention
  • Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award
    KCACTF
    Winner
  • Paula Vogel Playwriting Award
    KCACTF
    Winner