The ballet "Lola"

Tirana 1980

In 1980 the Tirana Opera and Ballet Theatre was producing the ballet "Lola" (music by Sergei Vasilienko), a wonderful ballet set in Spain. This ballet has never been performed in western countries.

The choreographer created this work for his Degree Examination at GITIS (The Russian Academy of Theatre Arts).

Bolshoi produced this ballet in 1943 when Moscow was surrounded by German troupes during World War II.

In a few words the story is about Pablo (Lola's lover). He was captured and executed by french troupes as he was a rebel.

Lola absolutely wanted to revenge Pablo's death. She got into the french barracks and seduced the Captain bringing with her a poisoned  wine. 

The Captain was very doubtful and invited Lola to drink the wine first. Lola, determined to avenge his beloved, drank it all in one swallow. Captain were convinced by Lola's behaviour and drank all the wine together with her.

Vengeance was accomplished but both of them died.

Lola's body was brought by spanish population out of the barracks as a heroine.

The choreographer did a very brave choice. As a third cast he chose some young dancers: Tatiana Sulejmani (Lola), Ilir Kerni (Captain) and me (Pablo).

It was considered a brave choice because dancers have usually to perform a lot of shows to obtain a leading role....and we performed just a few.

After our performance something unexpected happened: the success of this ballet was outstanding! I couldn't even imagine!


In that week in Tirana everyone was talking about this ballet, in every street in every home. In my opinion the success was so big because the protagonists of this tragedy were engaged not only in the show but also in real life.

This was a wonderful experience for us and this success open our way for new leading role in the Tirana Opera and Ballet Theatre and after this experience we became the youngest "principal dancers".

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