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Farewell to artist Ilirjan Shkurti/ A life in service to the stage and the city

2026-04-06 13:38:00, Kulturë CNA

Amidst pain and respect, family, relatives, friends and colleagues said their final farewell to the renowned artist from Pogradec, Ilirjan Shkurti, who passed away at the age of 68.

The funeral ceremony took place in the city of Pogradec, where he lived and contributed to artistic and cultural life for decades.

Known to the public in Pogradec and beyond, Shkurti began his journey as a child in the puppet theater, later continuing with dozens of roles on the theater stage and in Albanian cinematography.

Farewell to artist Ilirjan Shkurti/ A life in service to the stage and the city

Through his characters, he managed to win the love of the public, leaving behind a precious artistic legacy.

Those present remembered him as a dedicated, simple man with a special sense of humor that accompanied him throughout his life.

Farewell to artist Ilirjan Shkurti/ A life in service to the stage and the city

Ilirjan Shkurti's figure was also appreciated by his colleagues on the stage, who shared memories of years of collaboration and friendship. For actress Marilda Furxhi, he was not only a colleague, but also an early friend from student life.

"I wouldn't want to come at this moment. We were classmates at the faculty. My husband, Vangjush Furxhiu, had a strategist. From the very beginning, he told him: you're going to Tirana, not to Pogradec, but he told him that he wouldn't trade Pogradec for anything. He loved his life here for the activity; he also left his life here. However, Pogradec should have him for the honor and pride that he had in its bosom. The puppet theater, the entire artistic and cultural life of Pogradec have lost a talent, they have lost a good person, and I have lost my classmate. However, he will go and meet his teacher in the afterlife, because he had him just like his own child. Condolences to the children, to all art lovers, to all those who knew him. He will always be in our minds and hearts," said actress Marilda Furxhi.

His contribution to art was also emphasized by figures from the academic world, who considered him one of the artists who gave much to his city.

According to Professor Jovan Basho, his loss is a loss for all of Albanian art.

"Ilir Shkurti was one of the true artists of the city of Pogradec, with a special love for his profession, for the art of Pogradec. He participated in many feature films at the prominent Albanian film studio. In fact, with his loss, the city of Pogradec lost one of the people who loved it very much and who did a lot for it. Art lost a lot from Ilir Shkurti and we, his friends, colleagues and family, lost a lot," said Professor Jovan Basho.

Meanwhile, for childhood friends, the memories with him remain unforgettable, closely linked to his first steps on stage and his passion for art.

One of the closest friends recounts their early relationship and the support Shkurti gave him over the years.

Farewell to artist Ilirjan Shkurti/ A life in service to the stage and the city

"I have lost my closest friend in life, art and culture. I have known Ilir since childhood; I followed him constantly. He participated in all the programs of the Pioneer House, until director Tomi Mato said: we will take him, because he is passionate about this type of art. I have felt his company until today that he passed away. I have had many roles with pleasant humor with Ilir. He used to tell me that you are passionate and you should continue this type of art. There were some details that prevented me and I could not continue my higher education in dramaturgy. He was always by my side. He was very passionate about art and culture. He was an excellent actor, he participated in theater and cinema. I accompanied him and he always supported me", said Vangjush Buda.

Representatives of the local government praised his figure as one of the most beloved in the city.

Farewell to artist Ilirjan Shkurti/ A life in service to the stage and the city

"Today Pogradec lost its son, Ilir Shkurti, an excellent actor, citizen, husband and family man. Ilir Shkurti was also known to everyone by his pseudonym Ilir Kaposhka, part of the puppet theater. Since he was little, he participated in the puppet theater and continued until he was separated from his artistic life. There are many characters, emotions for the children of Pogradec. Further, his journey continued in the Pogradec theater, and in films. He was a great man with a sense of humor that everyone will remember. He came from a family with high patriotic traditions; his grandfather, Koçi Shkurti, was a worthy patriot of Pogradec. He came from a family that left citizenship, education and simplicity behind. Ilir was modest, but he will always be remembered for his art," said the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Pogradec, Entela Gusho.

Ilirjan Shkurti will be remembered as an artist who gave life to the stage, smiles to the public and lasting values ??to Albanian art. Through dozens of roles in theater, pop and cinema, he managed to convey emotions, smiles and messages that will live long in the public's memory. The legacy that Ilirjan Shkurti leaves behind is a precious asset for Albanian culture, a testament to a life lived with passion and dignity. Even though today he is being given his final farewell, his name and work will continue to live on, remaining an inseparable part of the country's artistic and civic memory./ CNA