BBC Two hosts a Newsnight Encounters series that pairs celebrities up to conduct interviews with each other. The most recent edition featured David Lynch and Patti Smith, who had much to say about Russian protest group Pussy Riot.
"This is something that goes back to biblical times," Smith said of Russia's treatment toward the women involved (via Pitchfork). "This kind of oppression and this kind of misunderstanding, taking young girls who have families and have hopes and dreams and putting them in prison for issuing a teenage prayer, really."
Smith had a personal experience with stars Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina.
"One of the things they were saying to me was 'Everyone wants us to speak to them but what are we supposed to say?' Smith said. "And I said, 'You should say that we are all you because of our beliefs, our belief system or trying to say something new, to speak out against our governments or even our churches, or corporations. We are all potentially in danger. Speak to a younger generation to think for themselves.'
"These girls did something absolutely original. As even a mother or a grandmother, they are in my prayers."
Smith said she is fascinated with success and how artists can tap into the public consciousness. She wanted to know if Lynch knew his '90s TV show Twin Peaks would do such a thing.
"No idea, but the No. 1 thing is to do what you believe in, and do it the best you can. And then, see how it goes in the world," Lynch said.
You can watch the segment below:
More context on Pussy Riot: They began as an outlet to protest Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2011. The group of approximately a dozen women achieved notoriety when they staged a protest performance at a Moscow cathedral in 2012.
Both Tolokonnikova and Alyokhina were arrested and charged for their actions before serving 22 months in Russian prisons.
Oh, and now the two stars are rumored to be in House of Cards next season. So, there's that.
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