In memory of actor and director Tonin Ujka (1940-2008)

Tonin Ujka (1940-2008)
Actor, director of the “Migjeni” Theater and the Popular Theater (TK) as well as great actor of cinematography.

Born in Shkoder on June 13, 1940. Finished his higher studies at the high school for actor “Aleksander Moisiu” in the period 1960-1964.

Immediately afterwards, he was appointed an actor in the theater “Migjeni” in Shkodra. During the 1970-1971 season, he completed the one-year course for directing.

In the years 1994-1996 Tonin was a deputy of the Democratic Party in the People’s Assembly, and in the years 1996-1997 he was the director of the National Theater and then of the Puppet Theater until he retired.

Tonin Ujka is one of the big names of the “Migjeni” Theater, the institution where he spent most of his artistic career. He worked near this theater as an actor from the 60s to the beginning of the 90s, when he moved with his family to Tirana.

In the theater “Migjeni” he is remembered for performances in the dramas “Djem te mbare” – 1975, in the role of Coli, “Shpartallimi” – 1975 in the role of the priest, “Baca i Gjetajve” in the role of the son of the Bayraktar, in “Fisheku ne paje” in the role of a teacher, in “The Case of Blerta” in the role of a brother, etc.

As a director, he staged the drama “Luani i shtepise” with the troupe of “Migjeni”; “Unbroken Bread” by N. Dokles; “The second face” of D. Agolli and a series of works for children.

His last performance with this theater was in 2000 in Fadil Kraja’s drama “Flag at the wedding”.

Tonin Ujka is a big name in Albanian cinematography as well, making a significant contribution to this genre of scenic art. His interpretation of a true artist is distinguished since 1968 in his role in “Oshetime ne bregdet” as well as in the films “When the day dawned” (1971), “Operation – Fire” (1973) in the role of “Leaf”, “The flame of the mountains” – 1982 in the role of Gjeto Doraci.

In 2004, he performed at the National Theater alongside the constellation of Albanian actors in the drama “Shelter of the forgotten”, with Tinka Kurti; Violeta Manushi; Reshat Arbana; Drita Pelinku, Margarita Xhepa ecc.

Tonin Ujka was also the deputy of Shkodra in the Albanian parliament representing the Democratic Party.

Passed away on July 8, 2008, from a cerebral hemorrhage.
His work and contribution to the performing arts deserves deep respect and recognition.

Filmography:
Old Wounds …..Mining Engineer (1968)
When One Day Dawned – (1971)… “Gipsy / Cigan”
Operation “Fire” – (1973)… Red Leaf
River of Light – (1975)… Teacher
There is life in snowy forests – (1978)… Mark
From the middle of the darkness – (1978)… Comrade Drin
An incident in the harbor – (1980)
Old Cartridge – (1980)
A night without light – (1981). .. Priest
Autumn’s reproaches – (1982)….as Imam
Friends – (1982)….
The flame of the mountains – (1982)…. Gjeto Doraci
The rough shore – (1988)… Kola
Little parents – (1991)…….
Gjoleka Abazi’s son – (2006)……….

Previously published in June 2014 and revised in the following years.

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Albanian Cinematography in activity since 2013 

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