76 years of life, a lifetime on stage. Happy birthday, Klaudeta Riza!

Klaudeta Riza (1949)

She was born in Korçë on June 2nd. She graduated from the Higher Institute of Arts, Drama Department, in 1972. That same year, she began working as an actress at the “Andon Zako Çajupi” Theater in Korçë. She is married to actor Petrika Riza.

She stood out in several roles portraying strong-willed women, such as Mother Havaja in the drama The Undefeated (1972) by Minush Jero, as well as in the portrayal of various contrasting types and characters—at times wise and composed women, and at other times chatty and irritable ones. These include Frosina in Molière’s The Miser, Gazepe in The Marriage, Lucia in The Common Interest, the mother in The Denunciation by Ruzhdi Pulaha, the mother in Wake Up Vasil, Julietta in Someone Else’s Head, Dhespina in The Marketplace, and others.

Later in her career, beyond her portrayals of dramatic and tragic characters, she also explored comedic roles with great success, creating memorable performances in variety theater. These include the professor in The Albanian Boss, the wife in Letter from Afar, and the neighbor in The Inventor. She also played numerous roles at the Puppet Theater.

Among her more recent performances, she stood out especially as Kristina in the comedy Miss 39 Years Old by Saqellari, and as the mother in the comedy A Nameless Time by Ruzhdi Pulaha (2003)—a role that earned her the “Best Female Actress” award at the “Balkan” Festival (2005) and at “Flaka e Janarit” in Gjilan, Kosovo, in 2003.

She is known for her full-bodied voice, clear diction, expressive temperament, strong sense of timing in interaction with fellow actors, and a natural sense of humor that shines through in her performances.

“KORÇA BOOM”