IN CONVERSATION WITH MATTEA CONFORTI

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by MICHAELAH REYNOLDS

Mattea Conforti steps into the world of Gilead in Hulu’s highly anticipated sequel series The Testaments, premiering on 8th April with its first three episodes. Set 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, the new series follows a generation of young women determined to dismantle the regime from within. A Broadway veteran since age nine, when she debuted the role as Young Anna in Broadway’s adaptation of Frozen, Mattea has seamlessly transitioned between stage and screen, with credits including The Many Saints of Newark, AMC’s NOS4A2, and voice work in Disney’s Frozen 2. With The Testaments, she enters one of television’s most culturally resonant universes at a pivotal moment.

The Testaments expands the world of The Handmaid's Tale. What was your reaction when you first read the script?

I’ve always been a big The Handmaid’s Tale and Margaret Atwood fan, so being able to make my own impact on this world was such a privilege. When I first read the script, I immediately knew this was a project I wanted to be a part of.

Becka grows up within Gilead's system but begins to question it. How did you approach portraying that internal awakening?

It was interesting playing a character who starts the show questioning and doubting an environment that she’s supposed to be accustomed to. Luckily, I had the support of such a passionate and insightful family from The Handmaid’s Tale helping me along the way.

What makes Becka different from the women we met in the original series?

Becka is unique in the sense that she is hesitant about the only destiny she is supposed to have. Her character is really refreshing because she gives audience members the space to feel validation in their doubts about how these girls are treated in Gilead.

The show centres on young women challenging a regime from within. What themes feel most urgent or relevant today?

Gilead shows our audience how important it is to come together as a community. These young women find strength in each other and that, in turn, shows how powerful their friendship truly is.

How did you prepare emotionally for stepping into such a heavy, politically charged universe?

I had many productive conversations with our show runner, Bruce Miller, and one of our directors, Mike Barker, who helped me step into this role feeling prepared and ready for the progression of Becka’s character. I also had such an incredibly talented cast to support me every day.

As someone who began acting on Broadway at age nine, how has your relationship to storytelling evolved?

Starting out at such a young age has only developed my love and passion for storytelling even more. I fell in love with theatre and performance from my first show and will continue that passion for the rest of my life.

Do you feel your theatre background informs your screen performances?

Theater is such a useful tool to help execute any performance genre. I know it’s really helped me learn how to work in different professional and collaborative working environments.

From Matilda to The Many Saints of Newark to now The Testaments, you've played characters across very different worlds. What connects them for you?

I love finding the little moments in each character where I can be myself. Through each character, I’m able to offer a little bit of Mattea in each one.

How do you personally navigate stories that deal with oppression, resistance, and power?

I understand the gravity and severity of these stories and know that these roles will be a bit more challenging. Personally, I love showing up to work knowing that each day will be a new experience for me to tackle.

What conversations do you hope The Testaments sparks among younger audiences?

I hope young audience members fall in love with these characters and realize the strength that they find within each other.

What draws you to darker, psychologically complex roles?

I love the challenge and complexity of these roles. Forcing myself to see through a different lens and perspective than my normal life is what makes me a better person.

Having grown up in the industry, how do you protect your sense of self?

I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family outside of working. I always make sure to prioritise my hobbies and interests as much as possible.