Margarita Pocket is separated from life. Another glittering star of the Albanian stage art constellation extinguishes
Albert Vataj
Today, Margarita Xhepa, one of the most magnificent figures in Albanian stage and cinematography, passed away, an artist who with the talent and magic of her interpretation sculpt the public memory for more than six decades. It was and remains one of the great ladies of stage art, a symbol of dedication, subtlety and emotional depth in interpretation.
Born on April 2, 1932 in Lushnje, Margarita Xhepa entered the art world in her early youth, becoming part of the National Theater (today the National Theater) since 1950, initially as a test artist, while studying at the Artistic Lyceum, in the Drama branch. Since the first steps of her career, she stood out for her prominent talent, quickly turning into one of the most adored Albanian scene actresses.
A monumental career in theater
During her artistic life, Margarita Xhepa performed over 150 roles in the theater, becoming the embodiment of the Albanian woman in all her dimensions – from the compassionate mother, to the heroine of sacrifice, to a powerful and bright woman. She excelled as Majlinda in the movie « Majlinda », Dafina in « Dead River », Filja in « Cuca of the Mountains », Mrs. Mother in « Who Brought Doruntina », Mother in « Opposite Him » and in many other roles that remain immortal in the history of Albanian theater.
But the pocket was not just an icon of Albanian dramaturgy. She also gave brilliant interpretation on the scene of world dramaturgy, where she was prominent with her grand roles: Ofelia in « Hamlet », the second girl in « King Lear », a nanny in « Romeo and Juliet », Queen Margaret in Shakespeare’s « Richard III ». Equally powerful was in other roles of world literature such as Klea in « Fox and Grapes » (Figereido), Lena at « Uncle Vanja » (Chekhov), Ledi Milford at « Luiza Miller », Mrs. Berling to « Inspector Visit » (Priestley), Ana Andrejevna (Gogol) to » Gardener « , Mashenka at » Mashenka « , Shejla in » Morage of Mrs. Dulska « and Dado at Sophocles’s » Electra « , a role she performed at the Greek National Theater in Athens under the direction of Greek director Dimitri Mavriqis.
A star too in cinematography
Margarita Xhepa was not only a bright figure of the theatrical scene, but also one of the biggest actresses on the Albanian screen. She performed in 32 films, working with some of the most renowned Albanian cinema directors and giving life to the roles that remain memorable to the public. Among her most prominent films are:
« First Years »
« Tracks »
« The Last Winter »
« Bloody land »
« A boy and a girl »
« Passionate »
« General Gramophone »
« Circle of Memory »
« Waiting Years »
« Warm Hand »
« The stones of my house »
« Spring didn’t just »
« Concert in 1936 » «
« Last Sunday »
« Dear enemy »
In 1997, she performed in the Greek film « Goodbye », a role that gave her international recognition and made her honored with the honorary award at the International Mediterranean Film Festival in Thessaloniki.
An indelible legacy
For her extraordinary contribution to Albanian art, Margarita Xhepa has been honored with a series of high awards and titles, including the title « Meritorious Artist » and « People’s Artist », two of the highest ratings for artists in Albania. Her bright personality, unlimited passion and dedication to art left an indelible trace in Albanian culture, inspiring generations of artists and spectators.
Margarita Pocket was not just an actress. It was an institution, an indelible sign of Albanian culture, a woman who lived for art and will remain eternal in the memory of the Albanian public.
Today, the scene has lost one of its brightest stars, but the name and work of Margarita Pocket will continue to live in the hearts of all those who have loved and admired her great art.
Rest in peace!
