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Nadya Tolokonnikova

The artist and activist who formed the Russian protest band Pussy Riot will be on the University of Kansas campus next month for a public question-and-answer session.

Nadya Tolokonnikova will be at KU at 6 p.m. April 4 for a public interview with Ani Kokobobo, professor of Russian studies and chair of the Slavic, German & Eurasian Studies department at KU.

Tolokonnikova has been one of the world’s most vocal opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2012, Pussy Riot — which is described as not just a band but “a global feminist protest-art movement” — performed the song “Punk Prayer” in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior, opposing the reelection of Putin to the Russian presidency.

Tolokonnikova was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment following the performance. While in prison, Tolokonnikova went on a hunger strike raising awareness for the inhumane prison conditions in Russia. Since her release, she has continued to engage in guerrilla performances condemning political repression in Putin’s Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Tolokonnikova will be at KU just weeks after opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in a Russian prison and thousands attended his funeral. Tolokonnikova is expected to address Navalny’s death, along with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, among several other topics, KU said in a press release announcing the event.

The event, which will take place in Murphy Hall on the Lawrence campus, is open and free for the public to attend. However, tickets are required. Tickets can be reserved online at calendar.ku.edu/event/pussy_riot The event also will be shown via Zoom. Individuals can register for the Zoom event at the same KU website.

The event is sponsored by KU’s Department of Slavic, German & Eurasian Studies, among multiple other KU departments and entities.