Arquivo

The documentary looks at the cultural legacy of America’s most successful utopian society: the Shakers. The Shakers were artisans, whose maxim ‘beauty rests on utility’ inspired the creation of minimalist furniture and architectural designs that influenced modern functionalism. Known to each other as the United Society of “Believers,” they lived a simple life, with an emphasis on work. Yet a profound spirituality imbued every aspect of their lives. They wrote work songs and spiritual hymns of exquisite beauty and danced to the point of ecstasy during religious meetings. The film shows images of the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine, the last active Shaker community in existence.