Merita Smaja
Actress of the “Migjeni” Shkoder Theater! It is one of her sayings that we like to quote: “Man only worships a power that is above him, others are people he loves and appreciates for the work and skills they have”
In Albanian cinematography, she became active mainly after the years 90. Her life is connected to many cities in Albania, just like the song “I’m from all over Albania”. Her father was a soldier, the family moved to Burrel, where she attended elementary school, while she was 8 years old (from the 4th grade) and finished high school in Peshkopi. It will be precisely this city where her desire to become an actress will emerge.
Travels to Tirana. Competes and wins. As a student, Smaja plays several roles, such in Brecht’s “Guns Karar’s mother”, again from Breht the mother Karar in “Mother Karar and her sons”, Zyrakja in “The Swamp”…Izabela in Noel Coward’s Masterpiece, a role that gave her the opportunity to go out into life prepared.
After graduation, she is sent to the city of Peshkopia and in the absence of the theater in this city, she defends her degree with the Peshkopia variety troupe.
But after coming to Shkodra, life and artistic career in the “Migjeni” theater has made her proudly show how an artist from Shkodra feels now! There is no way to be different after a very long time in the city of Shkodra and with a career of over 35 years of work.
Merita has known how to accompany and interact with this city of joy and optimism. Her profile is multidimensional, which means that she knows how to act excellently in dramas, comedies, or take on the role of director of various artistic shows, presenters, thanks to a gift of voice.
In the “Migjeni” Theater, her first role will be in Mastafa Tukajt’s drama, “Roots of love”, where she plays the role of a librarian in love with a boy, who was precisely the well-known actor, director and musician, the late Fatbardh. Smaja, her future husband.
On the stage of the “Migjeni” Theater she had the luck and privilege to work with such actors of the time but also the best of the history of the Albanian theater: Serafin Fanko, Tinka Kurti, Bep Shiroka, Lec Bushati, Violeta Sekuj, Elez Kadria… learn from that golden generation and reach maturity as an actress.
For Merita Smaja, as well as for any other actor, the roles are like one mother’s children, and it is difficult to separate them from each other. From these interpretations, however, we can mention the Martirio in “Bernarda Alba’s House” (1986) by Lorca, the Women’s Heroine in “The Last Visit” by Albri Brahušha, where she received the award as the best female actress at the Festival of Theaters in Presheva.
Mother Teresa, a very important role as well as loved by herself. Then there is the role of mother in “Six characters in search of the author” and the most special of the roles Ani, a transvestite, in the drama “Dinner Party”.
Other theaters: “All laughing” – 1984…Fatjona / “C`murosja” – 1994….part of the choir / “Cries in the snow” – 2007.
She dreams and remains her wish to one day be Lady Macbeth.
During the 80-90s, but also later in the 2000s, she took part in several soap operas and comedies such as: “Sa afer paske qene”, “Pak fresk sonte”; “Surprize”, “Brother from father”, “When the rooster crows” etc.
In cinematography, we can find her name in the TV series “Flame of the Mountain” in the role of a mountaineer in the area. While after the 90s she will be more active in some Albanian films such as: “Women without wings” (2002); “Letter in the wind” (2003) “8 short films” (2011) etc. 
In 2019, she joined the staff of the beautiful series “Kuqezi Family” in the role of mother. Merita Smaja currently lives in Shkoder and works at the “Migjeni” Theater in this city.
(C) Reserved material | The exclusivity is dated: February 24, 2022
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