Pussy Riot release new video starring Chloë Sevigny as a riot officer

Russian feminist protest punk band Pussy Riot ought to need no introduction, but for those with a hazy memory: the group rocketed to fame in 2012 when they staged guerrilla performances in Russia which raised awareness around feminism, LGBT rights and opposed Vladimir Putin’s regime. That year, five members of Pussy Riot performed inside a cathedral in Moscow which they claimed was in direct protest of the Orthodox Church’s support for Vladimir Putin. Three of the members were arrested, charged with hooliganism and sentenced to two years in prison.

Following their release, Pussy Riot have continued their career as political provocateurs. In 2016 before the American election they released a video which imagined Trump’s reign as president. Then, earlier this year, the punk group launched a Kickstarter for a new immersive theatre performance with theatre company Les Enfants Terribles.

Now, a year on from Trump’s election, Pussy Riot have released a new music video. Titled Police State, it was written by Nadya Tolokonnikova, Ricky Reed, Cara Salimando, produced by Ricky Reed, directed by Matt Creed, and features actress Chloë Sevigny in the role of a riot officer. Against the sing-song lyrics ("Oh my god, I’m so happy I could die”), Chloe’s character hurls her baton at balaclava-clad women and a teddy bear as children are forced to watch footage of Trump, streamed from a stack of TV sets.