Russian punk rockers Pussy Riot book 2 May appearances in Israel

Two members of the collective will perform at the International Writers Festival and Barby Tel Aviv

By Jessica Steinberg 2 April 2018, 5:14 pm Edit

Jessica Steinberg covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center.

Some fans of Russian punk rock feminist band Pussy Riot are tweeting BDS protests against the appearance of two members in Tel Aviv’s Barby club on May 16, which follows their attendance at the annual International Writers Festival at Jerusalem’s Mishkenot Sha’ananim cultural center outside the Old City.

Maria Alyokhina and Olga Borisova, two of the collective’s members, will open the three-day event on May 8 and perform a piece called “The Authors’ Revolt.” It’s based on Alyokhina’s book, “Riot Days,” which describes her time served in prison for public activism. She will also have a conversation with lawmaker Merav Michaeli about the book during the course of the festival.

Alyokhina and Borisova will be joined at the Writers Festival event by other Israeli musicians and DJs.

Pussy Riot was founded in 2011 and became famous for its opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime, as well as its songs about feminism and LGBT rights.

Some of the band’s fans are disappointed by their planned appearance in Israel:

Dear @pussyrrriot playing in Tel Aviv and breaking ranks with international solidarity with Palestinians and the call for cultural boycott of Israel does not look good on you. Please cancel your performance.

Pussy Riot to perform in Tel Aviv in May https://t.co/aQuUjD25Si

— Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive) March 21, 2018