Today, on the anniversary of his passing, the General Directorate of Archives remembered Pjetër Gjoka (1912-1982).

Pjetër Gjoka was born in Ulqin/Ulcinj, (present day Montenegro) into a poor family that was forced to emigrate due to blood feuds. Despite the difficulties, he managed to become one of the most renowned actors and directors of the stage and screen.

His involvement in theater, in the amateur movement, began in the 1930s in Shkodër. In 1947, he joined the People’s Theater as an actor, after debuting with the Army Theater. His first role was in the comedy “Tartuffe”, though Pjetër Gjoka went on to interpret over 90 roles in this theater, including dozens of leading roles from world plays. He remained on stage for 52 consecutive years, even performing while completely blind. Some of his notable roles include: Haritonov, Shpend Gjeta, The Old Man, Mac Donald, Miller, Zabelik, Klaud, King Lear, Ali Pasha Gucia, and others.

In 1961, he was one of four actors honored with the prestigious title “People’s Artist.” He also played in several artistic films, creating memorable characters. His final role at the National Theater was in the drama “The Era Before the Trial”.

/a.p./