Following Dua’s thought-provoking conversation with Margaret Atwood for the Service95 Book Club podcast (which you can watch here), we’re bringing you a special bonus episode that dives even deeper into The Handmaid’s Tale – Dua’s Monthly Read for November – this time through the eyes of Elisabeth Moss, who embodied its most iconic character onscreen.
In this special episode, Elisabeth reflects on what it means to bring June Osborne – better known as Offred – to life in the Emmy Award-winning television adaptation of Margaret’s dystopian masterpiece. With candour and insight, she shares her first encounter with the novel that would later define one of the most powerful roles of her career.
Meeting Margaret herself was a revelation: “When she would speak about how nothing she had put into this novel was fiction – that nothing was from her imagination – it really changed my perspective on it.”
She also explores how the instantly recognisable red robe and white bonnet costume became a character in their own right, and what it was like collaborating with visionary costume designer Ane Crabtree (read our interview with Ane here). “[She] is a visionary – a genius – but she’s also a genius at listening and collaborating and opening herself to the actor’s ideas.” What began as Margaret’s imagined uniform of control by men has become a universal symbol of resistance and solidarity between women.
As the world continues to grapple with questions of power, autonomy, and freedom, Elisabeth reflects on why The Handmaid’s Tale remains as relevant now as it was when Margaret first wrote it. When filming season three she recalls, “You’re standing there in the Handmaid’s costume, very close to the White House – and there was an importance to that that you couldn’t ignore. It was unforgettable.”
Listen to Elisabeth’s episode of the Service95 Book Club podcast here.
There’s More – Delve Deeper Into The Handmaid’s Tale With The Service95 Book Club...
- WATCH Dua’s interview with Margaret
- BOOKMARK the novels that inspired Margaret Atwood’s vision
- LISTEN toThe Handmaid’s Tale playlist, curated by Margaret
- DISCOVER what to read next from Margaret’s back catalogue
- READ Dua’s essay on what readingThe Handmaid’s Tale taught her about the world
- EXPLORE whatThe Handmaid’s Tale tells us about women’s rights today
- MEET the costume designer who brought Gilead to life for the screen
