In February of 2012, 5 women (wearing brightly colored ski masks) entered The Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow and staged a protest of an illegal Presidential Election, shouting a 45-second punk prayer: Virgin Mary chase Putin away! They were removed by force. After the tape of the event was posted on YouTube, they were arrested as enemies of the state. But once the tape went worldwide, their performance became the greatest piece of performance art in Russian history. The women were tried for hooliganism, and 3 were sent to prison. Though subjected to horrific torture (including sexual abuse) it’s been suggested their celebrity spared them from execution. As explained by its members, Pussy Riot is a movement, not a band. Anyone who’s been subjugated or marginalized can join. Just stage a public protest, and you’re in.
IMPRINT Theatrework’s production of Barbara Hammond’s We are Pussy Riot (or Everything is P.R.) is predicated on the concept that subversive ideas are more easily accepted under the guise of humor, or, as Pussy Riot would have it: Revolution is fun! There is a fine tradition of speaking truth to power through satire. From Court Jesters who were given free reign, to mad Biblical prophets, to political cartoonists, the role of the giddy or eccentric idiot, who nonetheless has the leverage to reveal uncomfortable facts, has held steady for centuries.
The set consists of chain link fences, large black blocks, neon colored and plain protest signs, flyers, banners. There are numerous costumes and props and the actors playing various parts including symbolic roles: a nun (the church) doctor, professor (intelligentsia) judge (government) putin, reporter (the media). The piece (transcribed from court documents) presents a true, contemporary fable of ordinary women who express their discontent through congenial, civil disobedience. Their conduct is not destructive, aggressive or harmful. No one is assaulted or intimidated, no profanity invoked, no property damaged. And yet this small group of mischief makers are persecuted, ill-used by the justice system, provided with sketchy defense, and sentenced disproportionately for their “crimes”.
The spirited, agile, versatile cast jumps in with all four limbs, joyous and earnest and proactively inviting the audience to participate, without leaving their seats. I was handed a scarf, a balaklava (orange knitted mask) and a Dove chocolate. We Are Pussy Riot! Is a withering, comical, brave, sardonic narrative that moves, mostly at a breakneck pace, including a kangaroo court, an intellectual who dies from hunger strike, a song and dance by the smarmy fascist himself (Putin on the Ritz) and rowdy hi-jinks. Chaos. Tragedy. Rage. Contempt.
Buffoonery as a tool for those on the side of the angels. A feel for the slapdashed yet deadly sincere. All in the service of a simple plea: We have the right to our dignity. We have the right to be heard. Pussy Riot set forth a paradigm for plain, everyday folks to demand respect. To make the distinction between assertion and criminal activity.
Imprint Theatreworks presents We are Pussy Riot (or Everything is P.R.) October 29th-November 13th, 2021. Thursdays through Saturdays. The Bath House Cultural Center. 521 East Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas 75218. 214-670-8749. www.IMPRINTtheatreworks.org