TODAY marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great actress, Violeta Manushi!

Today we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of actress Violeta Manushi. Honor and respect to her remarkable legacy!

Violeta Manushi (1926–2007) was born in Korçë on March 6. She began her early involvement in the Amateur Movement. Her first role, although minor, was in the drama *Akimi* by V. Eftimiu, staged on May 1, 1945, directed by Sokrat Mio in the Army Ensemble.

On April 1, 1946, having previously enrolled in the Drama School, she began working professionally at the State Theater. She played the role of Filomena in the comedy *Qypi me Flori* by Gjon Karma, showcasing her delicate sense of humor. In the drama *Orët e Kremlinit* (1957) by N. Pogodin, she performed three episodic roles, each a distinct character.

Later, she brought to life memorable roles such as Mrs. Pejxhi in Shakespeare’s *The Merry Wives of Windsor* (1959) and Mrs. Dulska in Gabriela Zapolska’s tragicomedy *The Morality of Mrs. Dulska* (1962), demonstrating her comedic timing, precision, and ability to embody complex, stubborn, and talkative characters.

Her performances were notable for combining popular humor with depth and authenticity. Throughout the 1950s, her roles highlighted her talent as a character actress with a strong comedic sense and natural realism. She was known for her free, relaxed style on stage, her chemistry with co-actors, and her conversational and familial approach to dialogue.

In 1964, she played Olimbisa in the comedy *Karnavalet e Korçës* by Spiro Çomora, creating a vivid and memorable character alongside Viktor Gjoka and Ilia Shyti. In 1968, she portrayed Zyra in Dritëro Agolli’s drama *Fytyra e dytë*, combining elegant humor with depth.

Her role as Ollga in the plays and films *Zonja nga qyteti* (1975) and *Një shoqe nga fshati* (1980) by Ruzhdi Pulaha became one of her career highlights, blending provincial conservatism with a tender and human spirit. This balance showcased her skill in portraying realistic, psychologically rich characters.

She also played Nica in *Gjenerali i ushtrisë së vdekur* (1971), adapted from Ismail Kadare’s novel, exploring dramatic and tragic dimensions, and Aunt Rita in the comedy *Pallati 176* by Adelina Balashi, returning to her preferred genre of comedy with original character sketches.

Over her 50-year career, Violeta Manushi performed more than 103 roles, later returning to the stage in the 2000s with several new performances. In 1997, she was awarded the “Career Cup” at the Theater Festival in Tirana.

In 2003, she starred in Ruzhdi Pulaha’s comedy *Koha pa emër* at the “A.Z. Çajupi” Theater in Korçë, winning the award for “Best Supporting Actress” at the Albanian Drama Festival in Gjilan, Kosovo, 2004.

Violeta Manushi also appeared in 17 films, including *Tana*, *Debatik*, *Vitet e para*, *Plagë të vjetra*, *Një vonesë e vogël*, *Taulanti kërkon një motër*, *Rrethimi i vogël*, *Eja*, *Zonja nga qyteti*, and *Një shoqe nga fshati*.

For her role as Ollga in *Zonja nga qyteti* (1976), she received the Medal of the 2nd Albanian Film Festival and held the title “People’s Artist.”

Violeta Manushi passed away in Tirana on July 27, 2007, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary talent and unforgettable performances.

“KORÇA BOOM”