“It’s Saturday, and I’m listening to the birds singing—after all, today they can sing freely; no one disturbs them—not the crowd, not the jackhammer, not the cars, not the airplanes, not the three nurses who work in the neighboring hospital building and whom I sometimes see smoking, nor the dogs in the yard, nor the bandage on my hand—which Mr. Șerban might reinforce today—nor Isti’s twelve teeth, nor the mosquitoes on the ceiling, nor the creaking of my nightstand, nor the heat of the water flowing from the cold-water faucet, nor the colors of my drawings; nothing disturbs them anymore.”

“noise // silence” is a multidisciplinary performance that uses poetry, visual arts, and experimental music to spark a dialogue about mental health.

The project draws on Zsolt Bodoki-Halmen’s personal notes, writings, and experiences from his psychiatric treatment and recovery process. Our goal is not to sensationalize trauma, but to create a safe space where vulnerability and emotional struggles can be discussed without stigma.

Following the noise music concert that opens the exhibition, there will be a discussion with the artist. Moderator: Szilárd Miklós

Program:
6:00 p.m. – Doors open and exhibition viewing – we recommend arriving early to get in the right mood for the event
7:00 p.m. – Performance – duration: approx. 30 minutes
7:30 p.m. – Discussion with the artist

CONTENT WARNING
This performance addresses sensitive topics such as severe mental health conditions, depression, and suicide and suicide attempts. The soundscape also features experimental music (noise) with intense frequencies and high volume levels, which may be distressing. We would like to navigate through all of this together in a safe environment.

Due to the intense nature of the experience and the themes explored, the “noise // silence” performance is recommended for adult audiences (18+). Minors may attend the event only if accompanied by a parent or with written consent. Thank you for your understanding—we look forward to seeing you at the performance!

Creative Team: Zsolt Bodoki-Halmen, Krisztina G. Szabó, Roland Korponovics, Tamás Kaczvinszky, Roxana Țentea, Nóra Balázs
Translation: Zsolt Visky, Roxana Țentea
Project Manager: Bogdán Zenkő

A Universal Pleasure Factory © 2026 production, in collaboration with Muzeon – Storytelling Jewish History Museum.

This cultural project is co-financed by the Romanian National Cultural Fund Administration (Administrația Fondului Cultural Național – AFCN). The project does not necessarily reflect the views of the Romanian National Cultural Fund Administration. The AFCN assumes no responsibility for the content of the project or for the use of its results. The grant recipient bears full responsibility for these matters.