MASZK Association is an entirely non-institutional and non-governmental, non-profit organisation. Since the association was founded in 1991, our aim has always been to introduce and help experimenting, innovative artistic communities. As a result of our activity, the best artists working in a minority-marginal position could perform in Szeged. We pay special attention not only to introduce well-known groups to our audience, but to be open towards progressive initiatives as well. In the past seventeen years, the names of the Old Synagogue, that of THEALTER and of MASZK have gradually formed a close association. So far we have presented more than 130 groups from 27 countries in our town, some of them
for the first time in Hungary. We have participated in several co-productions, carried out continuous production management, have established festivals, and our book and CD publishing was widely acknowledged. From civil management to supporting young talents, we have, in every way, contributed to increasing the national and international fame of Szeged. Our future direction is shaped by the concept  ‘Southern Line’, on the basis of which we would like to make Szeged an even more dynamic meeting point for the theatres of the eastern, central and southern European region. The main objective of MASZK is to maintain the Old Synagogue as a contemporary performing arts centre.
In the history of our grown-up festival, 2008 will be the year of transformation, of metamorphosis. This theme tells as much about us and about our performers as about one of the greatest miracles of theatre: about the ability to transform and the ability to make something transform.
This change appears both in the name and in the structure of the festival. Our most important new initiatives are ‘MASZKALAND’, a series of events for 10-17 year old children, and ‘Ekisfeszt’ Academy, a complex programme for university students.
The theme of THEALTER in 2009 will be ILLUSION.