I reckon there are not many students at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences who have not spent at least one Monday evening at Szenes Club. Faculty nights, pyjama parties, various themed parties, Szenes Lagzi (wedding) – and the list can go on forever, with one creative event after the other making up the Faculty’s social life. The event specialist, who is the programme coordinator for the Szenes Crew, plays a key role in the smooth running of all these activities. One Thursday afternoon, just behind the club, I had a conversation with Armand Torma, who has held the position since September this year, about his work as a specialist and coordinator, his plans, and what Szenes means to him and to our community.

What exactly does the event specialist do?

Essentially, I handle every aspect of organising events: I contact the performers, DJs, and various production teams, and arrange catering for them. As the programme coordinator, I’m responsible for ensuring that both the performers and the community have a good time at Szenes. We usually come up with the programmes together with my colleague, Martin Horváth, but we often get ideas from other members of the team as well, as they’re also involved in the university community on a daily basis, so we hear from multiple sources what’s in demand.

Why does this activity resonate with you?

Basically, I really enjoy working with people. Many people have told me that I’m lucky to be such a loudmouth – what they actually mean is that I’m a particularly sociable, extroverted person who finds it easy to connect with others. So it simply feels great to meet new people and work with them. I think this is really where I find the most fulfilment.

Do you have any experience in a similar field?

I’ve been working behind the counter for nearly a year now, where I meet all sorts of people in various situations. I’ve learnt a great deal from these situations. I’ve also played a lot on the theatre stage, which has also helped me to overcome my self-consciousness and anxiety. So I find it very easy to chat with others and I’m happy to listen to them – and communication is one of the most important aspects of being a coordinator.

What was your first personal experience with the Szenes Klub, and when did you join the team? How did the role of coordinator come about for you?

I first went to Szenes when I was only 16, to an electronic music party, and after that I went there a lot. Actually, I was already quite familiar with the place before I’d even decided to study at the University of Pécs – unsurprisingly, I’m studying community development. 

Finally, last September, as a first-year student, I became a member of the Crew – for me, this is effectively where my university life began, and it was how I really became part of the student community. It is largely thanks to this that I have someone to turn to in my day-to-day life and always have someone to talk to – which is why Szenes is so close to my heart. When it comes to the office, the current specialist is the one who always passes on the torch. As my predecessor, Dorottya Kertész, had graduated, she had to nominate someone, and she chose me. Her decision actually took me completely by surprise, but of course I was honoured to take on the role.

Do you have any specific ideas yet? Any events you would definitely like to organise, or any performers you would really love to have on stage?

Lots! For example, one of the biggest parties every year is the Slavic Night, which creates that authentic, Balkan-style atmosphere with its striped tracksuits and hard techno. This year will be the tenth time this party has been held, so we’re expecting a really top-class performer – though I can’t reveal exactly who it is just yet. On top of that, the closing set will feature two completely different but absolutely brilliant performers, so I reckon Szenes is going to go wild on 30 November. Of course, I’ve already got plans for the spring term as well. I’d like to introduce dance evenings, for example – I think folk dancing and more traditional parties are brilliant community-building events. Naturally, we’re planning lots of concerts, featuring both well-known and lesser-known, up-and-coming performers. And of course, Lagzi (a typical Hungarian wedding gig) is coming up in the spring, which is one of Szenes’s biggest parties, so I’d recommend that everyone find someone to marry by then.

How would you go about attracting those who haven’t been very active at such parties and events so far?

I think Szenes is essentially a shared space and environment for everyone at the Faculty. There’s a really great sense of community in all of this. Lots of people come just because they know their mates will be here, or because they want to meet new people and have a chat, and we’ve got great company and a great list of programmes. We try to organise diverse events on a variety of themes – for example, next Monday we’re holding a special fairy-tale-themed ‘Once Upon a Time’ party, where everyone can dress up as a fairy-tale character and we’ll be singing famous songs from animated films. Events like this really bring the group together – and I think people get the most out of their community. So it’s well worth everyone’s while to come to Szenes.

Is there a particular event or recurring programme that you’re really looking forward to?

The Lagzi! I think the Lagzi is brilliant. Hungarian tequila, party music, everyone chatting to everyone else, we dance, and maybe even get married – it’s got that genuine Hungarian wedding atmosphere. We dress up nicely, and there’s even a bride-snatching – it’s simply fantastic. Looking through the photos from previous Szenes Lagzi nights, it’s amazing to see how carefree people are at these events. The whole thing is one big ‘Let your hair down!’ – a proper party with classic hits and an incredible atmosphere. Everyone should experience a Szenes Lagzi at least once.

If you had to summarise briefly why it is worth taking part in the various Szenes parties and what these events have to offer, what would you say?

Strength, love, a sense of community, experiences, memories, friends, romances, adventures… Szenes has a really great atmosphere that simply helps you get through the day: half the students at the Faculty pop in here during the day to study, socialise or even just relax, and then come back in the evening to party.

Szenes is one big family, very welcoming and capable of giving loads of love.

 

So, from this September, Armand will continue to organise events in Szenes with great dedication. I think we can look forward to special and exciting programmes – and perhaps some new additions – this academic year too, whilst the essence remains the same: at Szenes, a familiar atmosphere, iconic parties and a welcoming community continue to await every student.

Photos: Lécser Szabolcs

Translator: Hajtmann Tímea