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 also perform in Szeged. The main objective of MASZK is to maintain ALTERRA - Contemporary Performing Arts Centre in the Old Synagogue. In the past eighteen 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 140 groups from about 30 countries in our town, many 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. We would like to make Szeged an even more dynamic meeting point for the theatres of the eastern, central and southern European region.
In the history of our grown-up festival, 2008 was 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 appeared both in the name and in the structure of the festival. Our most important new initiatives are ‘MASZKALAND’, a series of events for 10-18 year old children, and ‘Ekisfeszt’ Academy, a complex programme for university students.
The theme of THEALTER in 2009 is illusion. The performances will help to remember and recognise our feelings about illusion, while taking part in an illusion again and again – in a theatre performance here and now.
The theme of the 20th THEALTER festival will be Ottó Tolnai’s World Encyclopaedia.