Theater

McDormand, Roche bring ‘Early Shaker Spirituals’ to life

If the Amish are famous for their beards and buggies, the Shakers are reputed for their elegant, minimalist furniture.

But that second religious group — its formal name is the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing — has a much broader legacy that includes a repertoire of about 10,000 songs.

“Early Shaker Spirituals,” the new show by the Wooster Group theater company, features just 20 of these tunes — along with some traditional dances. They’re performed by an eclectic cast that includes “Fargo” star Frances McDormand and Suzzy Roche of the singing sister trio the Roches.

“For the Shakers, songs were received as ‘gifts’ from birds, trees,” Roche says. “I’ve been singing them every day for the past six months in my house. The songs are all about simplicity, humility, devotion — they make you feel good when you sing them.”

Because the Wooster Group is known for its experimental daring, this ain’t no straightforward recital. The ensemble is re-creating side A of the 1976 LP that gave the show its name — a collection of field recordings made at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine.

Suzzy Roche in ‘Early Shaker Spirituals.’Paula Court

And that re-creation is exacting: The female members of the cast hear the original voices through earpieces and try to duplicate them as precisely as possible.

“You’re speaking with them, breathing with them, you repeat every ‘ah’ that they say,” Roche explains. “You’re trying to meet the person exactly, both in singing and in speaking. It’s very simple but it requires incredible concentration.”

“The Shaker handiwork was exquisitely beautiful and very disciplined, which is very much like the Wooster Group,” Roche continues, smiling. “That and the tireless dedication to the process, no matter what the outside is thinking!”

“Early Shaker Spirituals” is at the Performing Garage, 33 Wooster St., until June 15. Call 212-966-3651 for tickets ($25).