Last night was the Free Pussy Riot reading at the Ace Hotel. The room was packed with people and feelings of disbelief and hope. Hope for the women of Pussy Riot and hope for anybody who dissents and protests.
This was the eve of the verdict for the members of Pussy Riot. They were found guilty this morning and sentenced to two years in prison. This wasn't unexpected. I don't think anyone really expected some deus ex machina, some last minute change of heart for the women. The women of Pussy Riot didn't expect this either. That's not how the world works.
To quote Maria Alyokhina in her closing statement:
"And I am not afraid of you. I am not afraid of falsehood and fictitiousness, of sloppily disguised deception, in the verdict of the so-called court. Because all you can deprive me of is “so-called” freedom. This is the only kind that exists in Russia. But nobody can take away my inner freedom. It lives in the word, it will go on living thanks to openness, when this will be read and heard by thousands of people. This freedom goes on living with every person who is not indifferent, who hears us in this country. With everyone who found shards of the trial in themselves, like in previous times they found them in Franz Kafka and Guy Debord. I believe that I have honesty and openness, I thirst for the truth; and these things will make all of us just a little bit more free. We will see this yet."
That really was the focus of the reading last night: that inner freedom that nobody can control. That part of us that exists in the larger, shared sense. That's why Pussy Riot has appealed to so many people all over the world.
Last night many people gathered to hear prison letters, songs, poems, and opening and closing statements of the women of Pussy Riot. The speakers were artists, writers, and performers. Seagull president Johanna Fateman read at the event. She wore bright clothing in honor of Pussy Riot and read in her always-cool, calm manner. The piece on art and politics was quite moving.
Seagull VIP poet Eileen Myles read some really great pieces, too. Serious yet lighthearted at the same time which helped the mood in the room:
And Seagull muse K8 Hardy really got the crowd's attention with her powerful readings of Pussy Riot songs.
I think last night was just a sneak peak of what is to come in the wake of all this. It really is exciting.
However I can't help feeling a little sad today. It's upsetting that a simple act of protest has led to this months-long fiasco and unjust prison terms. And it's upsetting to imagine a punk band being silenced by the government and used as an example. Can you imagine if riot grrls had been shut down and locked up for being anti-establishment? It's frightening to think about.
Of course it is important to remain positive during this time. I have to remind myself of the uplifting fact that Pussy Riot has gone worldwide. Who knows what will happen and where all this will lead. But the fire has been started, and I'm truly excited to see what arises after Pussy Riot's sentencing.
The future is ours, Pussy Riot.
xo
craig hunter
PS
Photos of Johanna Fateman, K8 Hardy, and Eileen Myles all taken by Eva Wildes.
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