Political activism in Russia: a cultural context for 'Pussy Riot'

In the last few months the world’s media was focused on the trial of three members of the feminist punk-band Pussy Riot; these women were arrested and charged with hooliganism for their performance of ‘Punk-Prayer’ which took place inside the Church of Christ the Saviour in Moscow on the 21st of February 2012.

This discussion at Pushkin House looks in depth into the cultural context of Pussy Riot’s activity. Dr. Ivan Gololobov has conducted extensive research of the punk community in Russia only to find that its members largely support the views of the Russian Orthodox church.

Artist Tatiana Baskakova expresses the views of the Russian artistic community, which generally supports the action by Pussty Riot. Ivan Gololobov and Tatiana Baskakova will offer short presentations after which the discussion will be open to the public.