Amanda Seyfried Delights Fans with a Stunning 2-Song Performance at the Testament of Ann Lee Screening
Amanda Seyfried attends the "The Testament of Ann Lee" New York special screening.
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Valerie Terranova/Getty (2)
Special Performance Highlights “The Testament of Ann Lee” Screening
Amanda Seyfried and composer Daniel Blumberg surprised attendees at the New York City screening of The Testament of Ann Lee with an intimate performance of two songs from the film. The duo started their set with an acoustic rendition of “Beautiful Treasures,” adapted from a traditional Shaker hymn. Seyfried then introduced “Clothed by the Sun,” an original piece originally recorded by Blumberg.
Following the screening at the Crosby Street Hotel, Seyfried, 40, showcased her musical talents, joining Blumberg for the live songs, which accentuate the film’s themes and storytelling elements.
Directed by Mona Fastvold, The Testament of Ann Lee explores the life of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, while addressing issues of grief, power, and social equality. Blumberg crafted three original songs, complementing numerous hymns adapted from historical sources to support the film’s narrative arc.
Their performance commenced with “Beautiful Treasures,” a song featured in a particularly poignant scene of the film.
Reflecting on her recording experience, Seyfried recounted, “I think one of the hardest things was the week in the studio where I did ‘Beautiful Treasures,’ which is the montage where I lose all my babies.” She explained that director Mona Fastvold encouraged a vulnerable approach during production, asking her to “just imagine giving birth.”
The session transitioned to introduce “Clothed by the Sun.” Blumberg recalled the song’s creation process, stating, “When I write songs, usually the best ones happen very quickly and naturally. With ‘Clothed by the Sun,’ I plugged in my electric guitar and it all came out in one piece,” attributing this fluidity to his deep immersion in the film’s world.
He noted that the song was initially created as a solo for Seyfried but evolved into a duet, providing a contemporary feel that aligned with the film’s conclusion and context regarding the Shakers.
Amanda Seyfried performs during the "The Testament of Ann Lee" New York special screening.
Valerie Terranova/Getty
Additionally, the film showcases the ecstatic movements and vocalizations intrinsic to the Shaker sect. Seyfried expressed her artistic experience at the Venice International Film Festival, describing it as unbound: “This did feel like an opportunity where there were just no tethers to anything.” She elaborated on the creative freedom she experienced under Fastvold’s direction, emphasizing the importance of embracing that liberty to achieve authentic artistic expression.
The cast of The Testament of Ann Lee includes Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Matthew Beard, Scott Handy, Viola Prettejohn, Jamie Bogyo, David Cale, Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott.
The Testament of Ann Lee is scheduled for theatrical release on December 25.
