Front Row Amanda Seyfried and Mona Fastvold on their film The Testament of Ann Lee
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Feb 18, 2026 Mona Fastvold, director and co-writer of The Testament of Anne Lee, discusses her research-led, musical approach to telling the Shaker founder’s story. Amanda Seyfried, actor who inhabits Anne Lee, talks accent work and learning Shaker song and dance. Ayla/Ella Lapine, theologian and art historian, reflects on Joan of Arc’s trial and protest symbolism. Justine Picardie, journalist and author, explores royal dress as coded diplomacy.
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Portraying An Unknown Radical
- Amanda Seyfried described the freedom and responsibility of portraying an obscure historical figure.
- She found embodying Anne Lee liberating but felt a duty to honor her life accurately.
Shaker Practice As Communal Therapy
- Mona Fastvold frames Shaker practices as therapeutic release: confession, shaking, singing and dancing.
- She likens their ecstatic worship to a communal therapy or retreat that attracted followers.
Celibacy As Equality Strategy
- Anne Lee's celibacy doctrine both emerged from personal trauma and aimed to enforce gender equality.
- Mona Fastvold argues celibacy dismantled traditional roles by making all members "brothers and sisters."
