Maria Alyochina from Pussy Riot at the book premiere in Berlin!

Maria Alyochina from Pussy Riot at the book premiere in Berlin!

On October 31, 2025, an unusual event will take place in Berlin: the book premiere of Maria Alyochina, better known as the face of the protest group Pussy Riot. Her latest work is entitled “Political Girl – Life and Destiny in Putin’s Russia” and highlights the artistic and political challenges faced by activists in Russia. The premiere begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. in the Stasi headquarters, which now functions as the Campus for Democracy. Admission is free, but registration is recommended.

This event, organized by Federal Archives – Stasi Records Archive Berlin-Lichtenberg, promises not only literary insights, but also a performance with live sound by the artist Eric Breitenbach, known from the Riot Days project. The discussions will be led by Katja Gloger and Prof. Dr. Daniela Münkel moderates and deals with topics such as courage, protest and artistic resistance. If you would like to immerse yourself in the “Insight into Secrets” exhibition before the book premiere, you should arrive there at 5:30 p.m., as registration is also required for this.

An overview of the book contents

“Political Girl” not only addresses Alyokhina’s experiences in a country marked by repression, but also discusses the broader implications for the freedom of art and the individual. The term “art”, from which the work is inspired, has an exciting etymology that goes back to the Middle Low German “kunst” and is linked to knowledge and ability, as on Wiktionary can be read. This term describes not only craftsmanship, but also the ability to express oneself artistically and point out social injustices.

The event is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a bilingual discussion, as the reading will take place in German and English, with a translation in headphone format (although the number of headphones is limited). This makes the event particularly accessible to an international audience and promotes exchange on the topic beyond language barriers.

For everyone who is interested in art and protest

The book premiere is a must not only for those interested in literature, but also for those who are interested in the interfaces between art, politics and society. Alyochina's courageous path and the creative forms of expression that arise from the resistance movement can be experienced through this event. Autographed copies of “Political Girl” will also be sold, making the event even more special.

In summary, October 31st presents a valuable opportunity to delve into the perspectives of one of the most important voices in the current political and artistic landscape. If you want to be part of the discourse about courage and the fight for freedom, you should register in good time and don't miss the event.