Pussy Riot: In Conversation

Sat, Nov 5, 2016, 8:00 pm, Doors: 7:30 pm

Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist punk rock protest group based in Moscow. Founded in August 2011, it has a variable membership of approximately 11 women ranging in age from about 20 to 33 (as of 2012). The group stages unauthorised provocative guerrilla performances in unusual public locations, which are edited into music videos and posted on the Internet. The collective's lyrical themes include feminism, LGBT rights, and opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom the group considers a dictator, and to his links with the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In 2012, five members of the group staged a performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior, protesting the Orthodox Church leader's support for Putin during his election campaign. On March 3, two of the group members, Nadezdha Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina were arrested and charged with hooliganism. A third member, Yekaterina Samutsevich, was arrested two weeks later. On August 17, the three members were convicted of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred," and each was sentenced to two years imprisonment.

The trial and sentence attracted considerable criticism, particularly in the West. The case was adopted by human rights groups including Amnesty International, and by a number of prominent entertainers. Having served 21 months, Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina were released on December 23, 2013. Alyokhina now travels the world speaking against the issues mentioned above in Russia. On this tour, she is joined by Pussy Riot's Media Zona editor, Alexandra (Sasha) Bogino.

Russian feminist punk rock protest group comes to Berkeley!

$20.00 - $32.50.