PussyriotOn Friday, June 5th, 2015, Boston Pride Presents a Conversation with Pussy Riot is coming to The Wilbur in Boston’s historic Theater District.

Nadezhda (Nadya) Tolokonnikova and Maria (Masha) Alekhina are Russian conceptual artists and political activists. They are founding members of the art collective Pussy Riot. In August 2012, they were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance in Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Shortly after their release in December 2013, they announced the opening of Mordovia office of Zona Prava, their prisoners’ rights NGO, and in September 2014 started their independent own independent news service, MediaZona, which has since partnered with The Guardian.

They have spoken before the US Congress, British Parliament, and have appeared on stage with world leaders including Bill Clinton. In November 2014 they met with Julian Assange in London and became board members of his Courage Foundation. Tolokonnikova and Alekhina are Lennon Ono Grant for Peace recipients, and most recently, appeared as themselves with President Frank Underwood on season 3 of House of Cards.

Pussy Riot is a feminist protest art collective which has been one of the world’s most prominent activist groups in recent years, aiming to focus attention on the actions of the Russian government and human rights violations at home and abroad. In August 2012, Nadya and Masha were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance in Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. This protest attracted international media attention and support from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Aung San Suu Kyi. Since their release they have continued their work, recently calling on the US congress to add 16 officials to the Magnitsky list of human rights violators who face U.S. sanctions.

This September they launched the independent news outlet MediaZona which focuses on Russia’s courts, law enforcement and prison system. They have also launched the NGO Zona Prava again focusing on the need for prison reform in Russia.

For tickets and more information about The Wilbur and other great events visit http://thewilbur.com.

WHEN: Friday, June 5th, 2015 – 7:30 PM
COST: $37.00
WHERE: The Wilbur | 246 Tremont Street | Boston, MA 02116 | 617.248.9700
TICKETS: Visit www.thewilbur.com, or call the box office at 617.248.9700