In 1984 author Margaret Atwood wrote The Handmaid’s Tale: the chilling dystopic story of Offred, a woman trying to survive in a world where women have been reduced to their procreative functions. Since its publication, the novel has been turned into a film, an opera, a ballet, and most recently into a Hulu television series. Join us as we pair up with Justin from Mayday: The Handmaid’s Tale Podcast to unpack just what it is about Atwood’s vision that seems so compelling, and so relevant, over thirty years later.

Mini-sodes!

We’re so excited to present our first Deviant Women special, all about The Handmaid’s Tale!

Offred

Join us for our first special mini-sode of Deviant Women, as we discuss Offred, the handmaid at the centre of Atwood’s tale. From forced Handmaid to reluctant rebel, Offred is a woman who learns to work the restrained Gilead system not only for her own survival, but in hope of reconnecting with those she’s lost.

Serena Joy

Serena Joy, the Commander’s wife, seems cold and calculating, but what is lurking beneath the surface? Join us for our second mini-sode of Deviant Women as we discuss what makes a writer give up her craft, the power dynamics of a complex marriage, and what happens when the puppet master’s strings are cut.

Moira

Moira, the rebellious best friend to Offred, doesn’t take to the new Gilead regime lightly. After escaping the Red Centre and finding herself in the midst of a new kind of terror, she nearly lets the bastards grind her down. Join us for our third mini-sode, Moira.

Ofglen

Ofglen is, at first, a mysterious woman. Is she loyal to Gilead or does she, like Offred, harbour hidden resentment? Once her true loyalties are revealed, Ofglen becomes a powerfully rebellious figure who suffers tremendous punishment, but never gives in. Join us for mini-sode four, as we delve into Mayday and the path of resistance.

Janine

Janine seems like Gilead’s perfect Handmaid: the aunt’s favourite and first to carry a child. But in order to adapt to her surroundings, Janine loses her sense of self, and her mind. As she deteriorates further into madness, she reminds us that unlike Offred and Moira, not all women can withstand this brutal regime.

Aunt Lydia

Aunt Lydia, armed with a cattle-prod and carefully selected biblical verse, has the important task of indoctrinating young women into the new republic of Gilead. At times cruel schoolmistress, and at others caring mother, ultimately Aunt Lydia reminds us of the ways women can become entrenched in patriarchal structures, and contribute to their own oppression.