Pussy Riot and creator Nadya Tolokonnikova took their live performance to an underground club in Chicago earlier this month. Performing at Smoke & Mirrors after being moved from a different venue, it was a unique show experience in an intimate setting.
After an opening set from New Orleans-based artist Boyfriend, Nadya took to the stage surrounded by two dancers wearing pink ski masks. These outfits are similar to those seen in her debut museum exhibition “RAGE“, which runs from June-October at Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, Germany.
The performance featured impressive choreography from all three women on stage. While the two dancers entranced the crowd just a few feet away, Nadya screamed and sang on the mic to many of her most iconic songs in a 60-minute set.
The venue is usually used as a late night house and techno club near the Wicker Park neighborhood. Due to continued issues with Outset Chicago, the show was moved to this smaller space. It made the intimacy of the show particularly memorable.
Pussy Riot is a globally known feminist art movement that started in Russia more than a decade ago. The group made national headlines in 2012 when Nadya was sentenced to two years in prison following her anti-Putin performance known as “Punk Prayer”. She has since fled Russia and continues to be critical of the regime, with her recent art installation Putin’s Ashes being acquired by the Brooklyn Museum for their permanent collection.
Pussy Riot’s performance this night in Chicago was memorable despite us not being very familiar with her music. The energy was special, and we’d recommend checking out a live performance from Pussy Riot and Nadya if you ever get the opportunity.
Story: @michael__premier
Photos: @heckys_eyes
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