Sixty-two years ago, the Albanian ballet “Halili and Hajria” premiered on stage. This was the first entirely Albanian production in the history of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet (TKOB).

The ballet, composed by Tish Daija, choreographed by Panajot Kanaçi, and conducted by Mustafa Krantja, became a landmark in the theater’s history. Following this successful debut, other national ballets followed on the stage of TKOB.

In 1963, the role of Hajria was performed by dancers Ganimet Vendresha and Zoica Haxho, while Halili was interpreted by Xhemil Simixhi, Kristaq Rada, and Llaqi Nako.

A decade later, in December 1973, the ballet was performed for the 150th time.

In 1983, “Halili and Hajria” was revived on stage. Alongside the renowned dancer Llaqi Nako, the role of Halili was interpreted by Ilir Kerni, Gerd Vaso, Esdalin Gorani, and Eno Birko. The role of Hajria was performed by Albana Sulejmani, Keti Trajani, Julika Islami, Enada Hoxha, Alisa Gjoni, and Odeta Dishnica.

This ballet has been performed more than 250 times on the stage of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet and beyond. During tours in Greece, Italy, Turkey, France, and other countries, it achieved undeniable success. In France, the ballet was staged by a French troupe and later performed in Pristina. In both instances, the great Panajot Kanaçi, honored with the title “Nder i Kombit” (Honor of the Nation), served as the ballet’s maestro.

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