The mid-December air swelled with an unusual warming energy. Stepping onto the stage of Cabaret Voltaire, Zurich’s birthplace of Dadaism, sent a thrill through me. Here, where artistic boundaries were shattered more than a century ago, I was about to launch my novel, “What Was Beautiful and Good,” into the world.
It wasn’t the typical book launch. Forget stuffy readings and hushed audiences. On that evening of December 12, 2023, the Cabaret Voltaire pulsed with a vibrant, anything-goes spirit. The iconic room, where Hugo Ball preformed in his iconic Karawane sound poem dressed in a cardboard bishop’s outfit, vibrated with the anticipation of an intimate but eclectic crowd – a mix of literature lovers, Dada enthusiasts, and curious minds.
My heart beat a enlivened rhythm as my publisher, Matthias Ackeret of Münster Verlag, introduced myself, my novel and my German translator, Christine K. Gubler. A multi-lingual event, we shared the story both in English and German, under the translated title, “Was schön war und gut.”
The setting, steeped in the history of artistic rebellion, was perfectly fitting for the story I was about to share. “What Was Beautiful and Good” explores the roots of the legendary Cabaret Voltaire, through the journey of a young woman, Emmy Hennings, who followed her passions and desires through the tumultuous era of WW1.
Read more: Emmy Hennings’ Role in Gender Equality in Art, Literature and the DADA movement
As I delved into excerpts from the novel, the attentive silence of the audience surprised me. The atmosphere, no longer a smoky room as it once was, still seemed heighten with a spectral haze. Perhaps the spirit of Dada, known for its playful irreverence, imbued the room with a sense of open-mindedness, allowing the words to resonate with each listener in their own unique way.
Following the reading, the room erupted in a lively discussion. Questions ranged from the novel’s thematic exploration to the creative process itself. It was exhilarating to engage with such a diverse crowd, with their interpretations enriching my own understanding of the story.
The entire experience at Cabaret Voltaire was a whirlwind of emotions – a full-circle moment and thrilling mix of nervousness, excitement, and ultimately, a deep sense of connection. Launching my book in such a historic and unconventional space felt symbolic. “What Was Beautiful and Good” itself challenges expectations, and the Dada spirit of Cabaret Voltaire provided the perfect backdrop for its introduction to the world.
I am extremely grateful for the ability to share this novel with the world. The book launch was a night of shared experience, a celebration of creative expression, and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Even more humbled, the Cabaret Voltaire has offered to sell both the German and English books at their bookstore and has integrated them into their amazing DADA library. As I left the Cabaret that evening, the echoes of discussion and laughter lingered, a reminder of the magic that unfolds when art and community collide.
With a heart full of gratitude and a head still buzzing with inspiration, I look forward to the conversations “What Was Beautiful and Good” will spark in the years to come. I’m currently planning a few more readings and a small book tour in the U.S. this summer. You can find information of my future events on my website or on Instagram. And, as always, pleases reach out for any inquiries about readings, book clubs, events or any other questions.
Viva Dada!
Jill
Jill Blocker 
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