Cinematography in mourning/ Renowned actor passes away

2025-05-04 09:37:00, Kulturë CNA

Eduart Çala, one of the prominent figures of Albanian stage and cinematographic art, has passed away at the age of 75.

Çala has left behind a rich artistic and cultural heritage for all art lovers.

Actor Eduart Çala was born on September 19, 1950 in Elbasan, where he completed his primary and secondary education at the “Jeronim De Rada” school. Although he did not have the opportunity to study acting at the Higher Institute of Arts, he pursued higher studies at the “Aleksandër Xhuvani” Pedagogical Institute for Language and Literature.

His love for theater and the stage would emerge as early as high school, when he performed in the comedy “Udha e Zavalinëve”, a part that left a mark on his artistic life. In 1971, Çala became part of the professional troupe of the “Skampa” Theater in Elbasan, where during the decades of his work he performed in over 50 theater performances.

His role in the theater was characterized by a wide range of interpretations, moving from leading roles to secondary and episodic ones, always with a special dedication and professionalism. In addition to theater, Eduart Çala also contributed to Albanian cinematography.

He was engaged in secondary and episodic roles in several feature films where he stood out with his natural and careful interpretations. Among the most famous films in which he participated are: “Beyond the Stone Walls” (1979) where he played the role of the Italian quaestor, “A November Night” (1979), “The Little Partisan Velo” (1980) as the commissioner, “Bitter Spring” (1985), “A Life with Many” (1986), “Chronicle of Those Years” (1986), “Three People Cross the Mountain” (1988), and “Colors of Age” (1990). His artistic activity was not limited to acting.

Eduart Çala also made a valuable contribution as a director at the Puppet Theater in Elbasan, where he staged dozens of plays for children, helping to educate and entertain the younger generations.

He was also often a presenter at various concerts and spectacles, festivals of civic and children's songs, as well as at youth activities in the city and beyond. For his tireless contribution to Albanian art, in 1985 Çala was decorated with the "Naim Frashëri" medal.

The Municipality of Elbasan honored him with the title of "Gratitude of the City", while numerous awards have been given to him at the National Theater, Children's and Puppet Festivals. Eduart Çala was part of the golden generation of actors who came out of Elbasan, alongside names such as Demir Hyskja, Shpëtim Shemili, Astrit Cerma, Spiro Duni, Ermira Bahiti (Gjata), Tefta Haziraj and Veronika Papa.

With his passing, the Albanian scene loses one of its most dedicated figures, a calm and hardworking artist who lived with passion for art and love for the public.

His memory will remain alive in the memory of the city of Elbasan and all those who recognized him and applauded him on stage./ CNA