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Shaker Leader: From Poverty to Prophetess
29 Jan
Summary
- Ann Lee led thousands as the Shaker sect's charismatic founder.
- Shakers championed gender equality, communalism, and pacifism.
- A new musical explores Lee's journey from England to America.
The 18th-century Shakers, a Christian sect, are recognized for their lasting impact on furniture, design, and architecture. However, their radical ideals, including gender equality, communalism, pacifism, and sustainability, are less widely known. These progressive tenets were largely championed by their leader, Ann Lee.
Born into poverty in Manchester, England, Ann Lee was an illiterate woman who profoundly influenced thousands. Testimonies from her followers describe her as exceptionally charismatic and persuasive, dedicated to her cause. Her life and leadership are now the subject of a new historical musical.
"The Testament of Ann Lee," co-written and directed by Mona Fastvold and starring Amanda Seyfried as Lee, offers a speculative retelling of her story. The film chronicles Lee's journey from her humble origins to becoming the head of the Shaker movement and leading it to America, concluding with her death at the age of 48.
