'Pussy Riot: Riot Days' is an intense and radical piece of musical artwork, that boldly challenges the oppression of the Russian people.
It is performed by members from the iconic musical performance collective, Pussy Riot, some of whom were imprisoned for three years in 2012, for protesting inside Moscow’s (and the world’s) tallest Orthodox Christian church.
The performance takes forceful swings at the Patriarchy, Orthodox Christianity and the Prison system, and by extension it challenges the inequalities and hierarchical systems that oppress all of us. They reject the idea of prisoners as criminals, and the idea of criminals as less than human.
Their act describes vividly in Russian what life was like in the ‘criminal justice system’ for the members of Pussy Riot who were taken political prisoner, with subtitles and striking visuals on a screen in the background. The screen was perhaps not high enough however, as many people were not tall enough to read all the words, and a lot of jumping was needed (at least for myself) to follow. The content was very well-crafted however, and gave a singular and genuine insider perspective on prison life for women, LGBTIA+ people and political prisoners.
The show was purposeful and courageous, showing that the collective is still fighting and doing amazing performances after some of their key members were imprisoned, and continues to generate a fire and force for change. The story told was inspirational and brought to the light the sometimes hidden strength of the human spirit.
The music was a bombastic combination of synth, singing and instrumental, which very much had the anticipated punk vibe. It flowed between a chanting singing style reminiscent of protests with musical rhythm and background, and powerful songs and instrumental riffs, which gave an atmosphere of rage, chaos and energy. It was a spirited performance full of energy and passion.
The drive for freedom was a common thread, which motivated the members of Pussy Riot before their imprisonment, as well as during and after. The show was exhilarating and uplifting, reminding us that change is possible if we fight for a better world, for ourselves and for those who are less free than us.
