« Keep this scene clean! »

By Albert Vataj

Sulejman Pitarka ceased to breathe on March 24, 20007, but the tissue of eternity will always wrap this character, who embodied the features and features of a powerful stage personality. For a long time he was taking the path of eternity 18 years ago the steps have slowed, yet the wooden staircases to lead to the National Theater scene have often not climbed. Because age and health make you a heavy burden to the trail, but without being able to stop you, to dim the bright sun of desire to be watched by the magic of the scene, the miracle of the halls and the emotions that the spectator’s soul brings. He did not stop that breakthrough to the end, to testify to every insistence, that starting spirit of the battle to convey the best, the passionate, the most representative, the competing.

Today, on the anniversary of life from life, we remember with deep respect and gratitude one of the names that wrote the history of Albanian stage art, Sulejman Pitarka. He came to this world without fuss and left with the same simplicity, but left behind a bright artistic heritage that will remain part of the Albanian cultural identity forever.

With a rare humility and dedication, Pitarka followed the path of theater, scene and screen to the last breath, worthy of listed alongside the constellation of the greatest actors that Albania has known. He never stopped through the streams of media tolls, nor did he seek benefits through light ways or political bias. He was one of those artists who remained loyal to only one ideal: true art.

Modesty, wisdom and dignity characterized his entire life. He was a person, loving with colleagues and always ready to share not only the joys of the scene but also her challenges. Even when the years were heavy on their shoulders, and when the steps slowed down, he did not separate from the scene, from the place where he became a legend. The wooden stairs of the National Theater kept him on the shoulder to the end, because he could not stay away from the magic of interpretation, out of applause that kept his artistic spirit alive.

On stage and on screen, he was more than an actor, it was a sign of the time. His voice, his late interpretation, the deep portrayal of the characters he embodied cannot be forgotten. His latest role, that of the abandoned elder in the drama « Wooden plates », was a strong message about the new times coming, a reflection of a painful reality that Albanian society was experiencing. This role, which awarded him the « Best Actor » award at the Festival of Theaters in Greater Debar, remains one of the peaks of his career and evidence that the great artist never loses his power, even when life has ruined his body.

When in 2005, the Apollon festival honored the « Best Actor » award, his emotions were visible. It was a great moment, a late but deserved recognition, for an extraordinary career. He held the trophy, in the other the rod that helped the steps, but his artistic spirit did not need support: he was stronger than ever. And with his gentle, but ringing voice, he gave a message that remains unforgettable: « Keep this scene clean. »

A life lived for art

Sulejman Pitarka was born on February 2, 1924, in Debar, but grew and formed in Durres. Initially he worked in the bank, but he found the real passion on stage. The first theatrical experience, during the military service in 1945-1947, was accidental, but deeply influenced his future elections. In 1951, it became part of the National Theater (today the National Theater) in Tirana, where it would soon become one of its most important pillars.

At the Albanian Theater, he performed about 71 roles, affecting each dimension of acting – from the deepest dramas to the sharpest comedies. It was Jovan Bregu to « Prefect », Gender in « Our Land », Auditor, Hamlet, Otello, Arturo Ui and many more.

But Pitarka was not just an actor – he was also a playwright. His drama « Fisherman’s Family » remains one of the most important works of Albanian dramaturgy.

In cinematography, he performed in over 20 films, becoming memorable in films such as « General Gramophone », « Face to Face », « After Traces », « Debatics », « Stroke », « Sounds of War », « Wire Guns », « Open Horizons » and many others. Every role of it, however small, turned into a mile stone into its artistic journey. He had the rare ability to take on an episodic role and to transform it into a figure that was not forgotten.

The inheritance that does not extinguish

Sulejman Pitarka passed away on March 24, 2007, but never left the memory of Albanian art lovers. He left behind a large figure, a pure name and an artistic testament that remains alive in every Albanian scene.

He was and will remain a symbol of stage art, a lesson for all those who believe that theater is not just a profession but a mission. And his voice, his word, his game – will always remain a treasure for Albanian art.