Kathleen Hanna is best known as the singer for seminal punk band, Bikini Kill, but her cultural resume goes much deeper. She's not only an artist, musician, 'zine maker and feminist icon— Hanna is also considered the godmother of the Riot Grrrl movement. (More on that in our recent story here.)
Pop culture and alternative music fans will recognize Hanna from any number of projects and major media stories: Her current band is the Julie Ruin, but she also fronted Le Tigre. Hanna accidentally named that one Nirvana song and was (possibly) famously punched by Courtney Love. She also married Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys and was seen dancing (obnoxiously) in Sonic Youth's video for "Bull in the Heather."
Aside from her art, Hanna's health and health care decisions have recently made the news, as well. In the film she reveals that she has Lyme disease (Note: '90s children, click that "Lyme disease" link) and the impact it has had on her life. And just last month she gave an honest, unapologetic interview where she spoke openly about her decision to have an abortion as a teenager.
The Punk Singer debuted last year at SXSW and has been making the rounds at independent theaters. It's being shown tonight and this weekend at Winfred Moore Auditorium as part of the always excellent Webster University's Film Series.
Watch the trailer for the film below and dig this delicious Roseanne clip where the characters learn about the Riot Grrrl movement.
Details on The Punk Singer via Webster University:
Thursday, February 27, Saturday & Sunday, March 1 & 2 at 7:30PM THE PUNK SINGER: A film about Kathleen Hanna (Sini Anderson, 2013, USA, 80 min.)Where: Winfred Moore Auditorium, Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119.
Admission: $6 for general and $5 for seniors (60+), students from other schools and Webster alumni. Cash or check only.
