CONTACT:
Randi Millman
The Wilbur Theatre
Randi@TheWilbur.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boston Pride Presents a Conversation with Pussy Riot Comes to The Wilbur

WHAT: On Friday, June 5th, 2015, Boston Pride Presents a Conversation with Pussy Riot is coming to The Wilbur in Boston’s historic Theatre District.

Nadezhda (Nadya) Tolokonnikova and Maria (Masha) Alekhina are Russian conceptual artists and political activists. They are founding members of the art collective Pussy Riot. In August 2012, they were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance in Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Shortly after their release in December 2013, they announced the opening of Mordovia office of Zona Prava, their prisoners’ rights NGO, and in September 2014 started their independent own independent news service, MediaZona, which has since partnered with The Guardian.

They have spoken before the US Congress, British Parliament, and have appeared on stage with world leaders including Bill Clinton. In November 2014 they met with Julian Assange in London and became board members of his Courage Foundation. Tolokonnikova and Alekhina are Lennon Ono Grant for Peace recipients, and most recently, appeared as themselves with President Frank Underwood on season 3 of House of Cards.

Pussy Riot is a feminist protest art collective which has been one of the world’s most prominent activist groups in recent years, aiming to focus attention on the actions of the Russian government and human rights violations at home and abroad. In August 2012, Nadya and Masha were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment following an anti-Putin performance in Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. This protest attracted international media attention and support from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Aung San Suu Kyi. Since their release they have continued their work, recently calling on the US congress to add 16 officials to the Magnitsky list of human rights violators who face U.S. sanctions.

This September they launched the independent news outlet MediaZona which focuses on Russia’s courts, law enforcement and prison system. They have also launched the NGO Zona Prava again focusing on the need for prison reform in Russia.

About Boston Pride
Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections. Kicking off June 5 through June 14, Boston Pride will host ten days of events and activities that bring people together from all walks of life to celebrate diversity. Opening with the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall, Pride Week 2015 will also include the Boston Pride Gala, Pride Day @ Faneuil Hall, the Pride Diplomatic Reception, the Human Rights Forum, Queeraoke, Pride Night @ Fenway Park, the Boston Pride Festival and Parade, the Pride Youth Dance, the Back Bay Block Party, and the JP Block Party. The theme of this year’s Pride celebration is “45th Anniversary – #WickedProud.”

For tickets and more information about The Wilbur and other great events visit https://wilburboston.wpengine.com.

WHEN: Friday, June 5th, 2015 –7:30 PM

COST: $37.00

WHERE: The Wilbur | 246 Tremont Street | Boston, MA 02116 | 617.248.9700

TICKETS: Visit www.wilburboston.wpengine.com, or call the box office at 617.248.9700

About The Wilbur:

Celebrating 100 years, The Wilbur, nestled in Boston’s historic Theatre District, is the premiere destination for comedy and music in Boston, MA. Built in 1914 by The Shubert Brothers, The Wilbur opened in 1915 and was named for The Shubert Theatre’s manager A.L. Wilbur. Recently revitalized by former Comedy Connection owner Bill Blumenreich in July of 2008, The Wilbur has become a first-class venue showcasing A-list comedians and musicians. A Comedy Central verified venue, the theater has attracted the best of the best in comedy including Aziz Ansari, Louis CK, Kevin Hart, Katt Williams and Jim Gaffigan. They also boast award-winning musicians from all genres such as Boyz II Men, Lauryn Hill, Lyle Lovitt and Smoky Robinson. Offering an intimate show setting, The Wilbur provides the perfect environment for enjoying comedy sensations and chart topping artists in the heart of Boston’s historic Theater District.
The Wilbur is located at 246 Tremont Street in Boston, MA. For more information, please visit www.wilburboston.wpengine.com, or call 617.248.9700.
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