Seven features about practical attempts over the centuries to create the Ideal society.
2: The Female Messiah by JAMES ROOSE-EVANS
The story of Ann Lee (1736-84) and the United Society of Believers also known as The Shakers. the most successful self-supporting American commune that finally closed its doors to new membership in 1964. with
The Shakers were fortunate in having a body of ideas with deep emotional content that were able to find expression in an effective system of co-operative labour in model farms and villages, in fine workmanship and various Industries. A favourite saying of Mother Ann's was: "Put your hands to work and your heart to God".'
Narrator GABRIEL WOOLF
Also taking part:
CAROLE BOYD, SANDRA CLARK, SAM DASTOR, HUGH DICKSON, KERRY FRANCIS, NIGEL GRAHAM, NIGEL LAMBERT, CHRISTOPHER MUNCKE, DIANA OLSSON, DAVID SINCLAIR and RAMSAY WILLIAMS
Shaker songs and hymns arranged and conducted by KERRY WOODWARD and sung by the BBC SINGERS Directed by JOHN THEOCHARIS