The renowned Albanian artist, Tinka Kurti, speaks from the nursing home

The great Albanian actress, Tinka Kurti, recently celebrated her 93rd birthday.

In an exclusive interview with journalist Migena Komici, Tinka Kurti speaks for “Shqipëria Live” from the nursing home. She opens the archives of her memory and talks about the most beautiful moments of her life, the challenges and difficulties of her artistic career, as well as the great personal sacrifices she made in the name of art.

She reflects on silent pains, difficult separations from family, devotion to roles, and the courageous decisions that have marked her professional and human journey.

The actress also shares her message for the younger generations of artists, emphasizing the importance of passion, dedication, and sacrifice.

Excerpts from the interview:

What is your most beautiful memory?

Tinka Kurti: In general, I remember many things, but I remember Christmas night the most, when I went to the embassy (a concert was held at the Russian embassy). I was amazed. I saw the most extraordinary thing; it was a concert… like an annual concert. I have my most beautiful memories with Russia, not with America. America is a hooligan country.

Which role did you feel the most?

Tinka Kurti: I truly felt all the roles. There were extraordinarily good actors. It was a great coincidence for me: in a café I saw them talking with Kristaq Dhamo and I asked my nephew, “What are they doing there?” “They are gathered because they want to make a film,” he told me. He tells the director: “I have Tinka here.” I had the luck to act in films with Kadri Roshi and many others. I made many corrections and many times I said that I would repeat it.

Beyond all the roles, what were the greatest sacrifices you went through?

Tinka Kurti: I stayed the whole time at the “Migjeni” Theatre, a marvel. We performed one play 39 times.

What is the great pain you endured in silence?

Tinka Kurti: It was not easy to be an actress. I left my children at home, my young son, and my mother-in-law said: “If I do not treat my daughter-in-law well, then she has the right to leave and take the child with her.” I found support in a very honorable family. Life had trials and misfortunes, yet I have no regrets. I am very happy with the family I married into and with my husband. I had my son when he was three years old and I felt bad for that child. They were very artistic people and were in a much better economic situation than my family.

What is your message for young artists?

Tinka Kurti: There are young artists, but they do not have that great desire to sacrifice. I left my family, my child, to do a role. Nevertheless, I had partners who were much better than myself.

If your life were a film, what title would you give it?

Tinka Kurti: Go on stage and silence backstage!

Have you been afraid of being forgotten as an artist and as a person?

Tinka Kurti: I expect you to give me a proper ceremony.

“KORÇA BOOM”