Russian punk rock group Pussy Riot resolves visa drama

Russian punk group Pussy Riot has finally had its visas to perform at this year’s Adelaide Fringe approved by the Immigration Department.

• Pussy Riot to perform at 2019 Fringe

Russian punk group Pussy Riot has finally had its visas to perform at this year’s Adelaide Fringe approved by the Immigration Department.

Pussy Riot will play its only Australian concert at RCC Fringe, on the Adelaide Uni Maths Lawn, on March 7.

The feminist group will also perform Masha Alyokhina’s performance art piece Riot Days at The Attic from February 27 to March 3.

The feminist collective has drawn the ire of the Russian government on a number of occasions, with core member Masha Alyokhina being sent to prison for her activism in 2012.

Earlier, before the clearance, RCC artistic director David Sefton said he had no idea why the visas had been delayed.

“We have a very international line-up at the RCC this year, and everyone else’s visas have already come through,” Mr Sefton said. “We should have received them weeks ago.”

Russian political activist and member of the anti-Putinist punk rock group Pussy Riot, Masha Alyokhina. Picture: AFP Photo / Joel Saget

Mr Sefton said he didn’t know whether the problem with the visas was at the Russian or Australian end.

“The thing about the Department of Immigration is that they really don’t have to tell you anything,” he said.

“We haven’t been told that there are any specific problems with any members, but we really don’t know why this is happening.”

Pussy Riot are set to perform at RCC Fringe. Picture: Adelaide Fringe Media

Mr Sefton said that while Alyokhina’s anti-Putin views had seen her imprisoned, she had visited Australia three times previously to play with Pussy Riot and had not encountered any visa issues in the past.

He said he hoped the visa issue could be addressed as soon as possible.

“It’s a big coup to have them on the bill, so we’re still hoping for a happy resolution.”