Theory & Philosophy Reading Group IX: Nadezhda Tolokonnikova & Slavoj Zizek

In collaboration with the Direct Action Monterey Network, this month’s Theory & Philosophy reading group is highlighting struggles against solitary confinement by featuring writings by Nadezhda Tolokonnikova who spent time in solitary while in a Russian prison for her protests as part of Pussy Riot.

This event is part of the monthly actions raising awareness about solitary confinement - the 23rd of each month to represent the 23 hours of each day spent in SHU.

READINGS AVAILABLE FOR FREE AT OLDCAPITOLBOOKS.COM

“An extraordinary exchange of letters.” – Guardian

“We are the rebels asking for the storm, and believing that truth is only to be found in an endless search … Two years of prison for Pussy Riot is our tribute to a destiny that gave us sharp ears, allowing us to sound the note A when everyone else is used to hearing G flat.”

Verso published their correspondence and wrote:

In an extraordinary exchange of letters, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, imprisoned for taking part in Pussy Riot’s anti-Putin performance, and Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek discuss artistic subversion, political activism, and the future of democracy via the ideas of Hegel, Deleuze, Nietzsche, and even Laurie Anderson.

Two radicals, one in a Russian forced labor camp, the other writing to her from far outside its walls, show passionately – across linguistic and generational divides – that “there is still a common cause worth fighting for.” Touching, erudite, and worldly, their correspondence unfolds with poetic urgency.