Chase Infiniti on Playing Agnes in "The Testaments"

In this episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart interviews actor Chase Infinity and showrunner Bruce Miller about the highly anticipated Hulu series adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel The Testaments, a sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. The conversation explores the challenges and creative choices behind bringing Agnes—a privileged, poised teenage girl raised in Gilead’s oppressive regime—into the spotlight. Chase shares her journey from auditioning under secrecy to embodying Agnes, emphasizing the emotional honesty and physicality required, especially through the show’s meticulously designed costumes that symbolize both beauty and constraint. Bruce Miller discusses the narrative power of shifting perspectives across three female protagonists, the importance of casting chemistry, and the enduring relevance of Atwood’s work in today’s political climate. The episode also touches on themes of youth, rebellion, and identity, particularly how teenage girls navigate love, friendship, and rage within a totalitarian system. Key takeaways include the importance of costume design as a tool for character embodiment, the necessity of emotional authenticity in high-stakes drama, the power of youth as an unstoppable force against oppression, and the value of self-care and routine in demanding creative roles. Chase also reveals her dream of performing on Broadway, highlighting her deep connection to musical theater. The episode closes with a reflective note on the burdens and responsibilities of being a leading voice on set, and the quiet rituals—like weekly hair twisting—that sustain her through the grind.