One of the highlights of my Festival travels was not a show, nor a set. It was an intense talk by Nadya Tolokonnikova, a Russian political activist and outspoken member of Pussy Riot at Day For Night Festival in Houston Texas. The entire band of Pussy Riot is filled with strong, powerful, and driven women who wear
It is a marvel to watch the band come into actual reality, especially since they were based on political protests, and videos that were meant to garner attention, and not necessarily just about “music.” Nadya was imprisoned after a protest in a church along with three other members of the group and discussed her time while she was incarcerated. I have never been to a more poignant discussion in my life. Chelsea Manning (who is still incarcerated following her refusal to answer a grand jury on the charge of civil contempt in March) was also present for the panel and discussed her prison experience with Nadya. Both agreed that governments know more about us than citizens realise… and that 1984, although a book written by George Orwell, has already come to pass far sooner than predicted by political activists. The entire room had goosebumps. To be completely honest, I still get them thinking about it. Nadya has another talk scheduled for Sonic Temple, and I for one will be there to support her idealism and fortitude.
Pussy Riot themselves took the stage and delivered the feminist musical experience of my life. Dancing around, singing, screaming, and acting out scenes as if in a play… I will never forget this performance. I absolutely cannot wait to see them again. I highly suggest you Sonic Temple-ers (really Rock on the Rangers) take the leap of faith and see this. It is very unlikely you will witness any other “shock rock” that will shock your system quite like the politically charged themes of Pussy Riots music.
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