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 twenty years, the names of the Old Synagogue, that of THEALTER and of MASZK have gradually formed a close association. So far we have presented some 160 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. By presenting independent art groups and fresh and innovative theatres, we have aimed at making Szeged an even more dynamic meeting point for the theatres of the eastern, central and southern European region in these twenty years. We believe that we have also contributed to raising the prestige of Hungarian theatre both in the region and in Europe.
In the history of our grown-up festival, 2008 was the year of metamorphosis, and 2009 was the year of illusion. In 2010, we celebrated the seventy-year-old poet Ottó Tolnai with theatre, while 2011 was the year of the next generation.
2013: the year of the 23rd THEALTER.