Sixty-three years ago today, on January 13, 1963, Albania staged its first ballet, “Halili and Hajrija.”

The work, based on Kolë Jakova’s 1949 play, inspired composer Tish Daia to create its melodic score. Like the drama, the ballet celebrated the deeds of the fighters of Malësia e Madhe against 18th-century Ottoman rulers.

The choreography was by the renowned Panajot Kanaçi. The ballet was performed by the Opera and Ballet Theater troupe, with the orchestra conducted by Mustafa Krantja.

The premiere was a major success. Until then, the theater had only staged foreign works. Over the years, the ballet was performed hundreds of times at the theater.

“Halili and Hajrija” also toured internationally: Kosovo (1979), Greece (1983), Italy (1991), and France (1980).

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