For the 9 September 2012 Free Pussy Riot Fundraiser Concert held at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen in London, SHATTERJAPAN specially requested personal handwritten letters from jailed Pussy Riot members Masha, Katya and Nadia. We were astonished and emotional when we received the letters — they are full of such passion, hope, courage and compassion. It is remarkable that these eloquent words were written by the women behind bars who are facing a long prison sentence and the tragic possibility of being split up into separate penal colonies as Moscow draws closer to freezing wintertime.
The letters were movingly read out during the 9 Sept London concert. It was a great honour to be able to bring the voices of the three women to the event and to connect London with Moscow in such a symbolic way. The original Russian letters (attached on the left) were read by former editor and producer for the BBC Russian Service and now freelance journalist Masha Karp. The English translations (below) were read by Nicole Bettencourt Coelho of Vuvuvultures, filmmaker Pratibha Parmar, and Yin Ly of Neurotic Mass Movement, each representing one of the imprisoned women.
TRANSLATION OF PERSONAL HANDWRITTEN LETTERS
LETTER #1 from Masha
Dear Friends!
We were very happy to hear about your support in London. At the moment, seeing such thoughtfulness and diligence is crucial for us.
I am certain that together, one way or another, we will be able to influence the political power and make Russia slightly more liberated. Your support inspires and strengthens our determination.
A huge thank you to everyone!
Thanks to you, instead of incarceration, we feel our collective freedom.
31st August 2012
Masha
LETTER #2 from Katya
Hi there, Pussy Riot comrades of London!
Your support, so important at this time, has made us infinitely happy and inspired.
Right now, a cold Autumn begins in Russia, but our hearts are warmed by the sincere support we see all over the world. We also hope that many people in our country will be warmed by this “season of opposition” which will help bring freedom to our country.
I wish you all energy and freedom in creativity.
Sending warmest greetings from this Russian penitentiary,
Katya
LETTER #3 from Nadya
Hi, Pussy Riot friends of London!
Thank you for your support!
What you are doing is invaluable to us – you are broadening the incarcerated world of our women’s penitentiary. Acts of support are a miracle to us – our world grows larger, no longer restrained by the suffocating and dark walls of the prison cell, because we are one with you!
We are in confinement, but have a lot of strength, and I would like to share the infinite power of Pussy Riot with you all. Be inspired and create politics of liberation!
Good luck! Wishing you a bright, strong and political September!
Nadya
* translations by Sophie Gug of Die Hexen