Vasillaq Vangjeli: A Tribute to a Beloved Actor
Vasillaq Vangjeli, born on February 19, 1948, passed away on September 26, 2011, after struggling with diabetes. With over 45 years on stage, he played more than 100 roles in theater, film, and estrade.
Biography
In his third year of medical studies, Vangjeli left to enroll in the Institute of Fine Arts (1973-1975). After graduating, he began his internship at the theater. He transitioned from the People’s Theater to the State Estrade as a comedic actor, working there from 1976 until April 1, 2005.
Artistic Life
For approximately 45 years, Vangjeli captivated hundreds of thousands of spectators with his keen intuition and admirable spontaneity, becoming one of the most beloved artists, particularly in the field of humor. He was a significant figure in the Tirana Estrade, participating in nearly all premieres.
Known for his wide range, vocal talent, and sense of humor, Vangjeli was a tragic-comic actor with profound artistic qualities. His innate talent for humor shone through in his performances. Despite initially facing challenges in finding work after graduating from the Academy of Arts, he was determined to act at the National Theater, successfully securing a role in the drama “Lëvizja” directed by Pirro Mani.
However, party directives led him to the Tirana Estrade, where he had to navigate a challenging transition. Although he was reluctant, he ultimately became an integral part of the theater community, demonstrating resilience and dedication.
Vangjeli’s journey reflects the complexities of an artist’s life in the evolving landscape of Albanian theater, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Initially, the Estrade didn’t embrace him; he worked without enthusiasm or focus, often missing work and delivering lackluster performances. However, he eventually formed a deep connection with the Estrade, humor, instruments, and parodies that is hard to explain. The Estrade became the platform where he showcased his creative energy and ethical values, fulfilling his acting dreams.
His contributions are evident in the numerous roles he interpreted, totaling over 100 in estrade, theater, and film. Audiences remember him for characters like Koçi the groom in “Zonja nga qyteti,” the rooster in “Një gjel në qymez,” the boastful man afraid of the cow’s bellow in “Një mburravec që ka frikë nga pëllitja e lopës,” and tragic-comic Lolo in “Dordoleci” and “Donkishoti.”
His diverse roles in Estrade included performances in the vaudeville comedy “Mirelo,” as Xhixh, and in sketches and parodies. At the time, he was involved in the comedy “HARVEY,” directed by Hervin Çuli. He continued to receive offers, including one from the National Theater.
Now, Vangjeli is no longer a professional actor affiliated with any institution. He retired, like many of his colleagues from the Tirana Estrade, transforming his home into a place of entertainment for friends and fellow actors. Even in this setting, he continues to share humor through jokes and stories, saying it’s “part of the profession.”
Thus, Vasillaq’s life continues, and he remains a vibrant presence in the market economy, sharing his unique humor with everyone around him.
EDITED by:
“KORÇA BOOM”