Gjon Krajni (1889 – 1934)
Amateur comic actor of the period `20 -`30.
Born in Shkoder. There was no acting school, but he completed commercial school and was then engaged in handicrafts. However, he became one of the most talented actors of the Amateur Theater Movement in the city of Shkodra.
From a young age, he had a great love for the theater, following it with great passion and becoming active among almost all the societies or theater groups of the time in the city of Shkodra.
In 1917, he played Argan in the comedy “I ligu per mend”, a kind of adaptation of Moliere’s comedy (Imaginary invalid), by Gjergj Fishta.
Krajni became known with the interpretation of the main roles in Karlo Goldoni’s comedy “I ngutshmi zemer bardhe”; “The two maids”; “Servant of two lords”; as well as in Moliere’s comedy “Mjek me perdhuni”
In 1923, he created his own theater group, called “Gjon Krajni me shoke”. In 1924, he performed in the variety show “Loja e pates” showing his talent alongside the other actor Mati Prendushi and highlighting the artistic values which those present who watch the show remain satisfied.
Gjon Krajni enjoyed the ability and talent to be a well-known actor for the time, the naturalness and fluidity of the acting expression, the measured and effortless movements. Among his most successful plays we can mention: “The Monkey Man” (sketch in verses), “The Caretaker of Craftsmen” authored by Gjon Karma; the comedy in two acts “Akshija i robitur” and the other one-act farce entitled “What the hell do you do in Stajka?” which was given on …… April 1 and 2, 1934.
The decorations for this part were made by the “Bogdani” company. Continuing with the many other parts even though he had a short artistic career: “Bylbyli”, a comedy adapted by Ndoc Vasija, “Two hunchbacks”, “Mendja e madhe e zeza te zote”, “Birameli”, “Professor Llapa” to the gas game “Photographer” and the pantomime “Kêpuctari”.
It should be noted that this show was the first for the actor who would later become very well-known, Gjon Karma, and unfortunately the last for Gjon Krajni.
It should also be noted that the rehearsals of each show at that time were always done in the actor Gjon Krajni’s own shop. The amateur actor who was also a member of the “Vllaznia” Society’s theater, played on stage with well-known names of the time such as: Zef Hilgega, Kolë Thaçi, Kolë L. Dema. Luigj Mjeda, Kolë Mirashi, Kolë Margjini, Matish Prendushi, etc..
He also took part in Shkodra’s traditional carnival festival. In addition to his talent as a comic actor, he also performed in many dramas, embodying many figures of peasants, simple people but with outstanding character.
For a period of time, he worked as an apprentice in the store of a merchant who sold construction materials. Then he went out on his own, selling and fixing glass to shops, houses, institutions, wherever he was called.
On June 27, 1934, he fell from the height (former Civil Hospital in Shkoder), while coming down the window, losing his life. He was only 45 years old! “The death of comedian Gjon Krajni shocked Shkodra and our group was destroyed, because none of us could replace him,” said “People’s Artist” Gjon Karma.
The Shkodran actor, even though a dilettante, had a special naturalness of behavior, spontaneity, burlesque forms of action, expressive plasticity, comic effects and gestures, a genuine, redeemed nature, communication with the public.
The artistic activity of the Group “Gjon Krajni me shoke” – “Goose Game”, vaudeville in 2 acts, Gjergj Fishta (translation), 09,11.02. 1924; performed by: Gjon Krajni.
“Bylbyli” , comedy in 2 acts, director: Gjush Sheldia, 25. 12. 1925. – “Gjin Bue Shpata” (drama in 5 acts), Filip Fishta, Gjush Sheldia, appeared 01.09.1923, 02.09. 1923, September 3, 1923: Gjush Sheldia, Lec Ndreka, Zef Koçobashi, Kel Guli, Kolë Kaçulini, Gjon Krajni also performed. Tom Leci, Simon Gjoni , Paulin Sekuj, Mark Prendi, Lec Sekuj, Angjelin Ashiku Prendushi, Lush Radoja, Gjush Sheldia, Gjon Krajni, Lec Suma, Lec Ndreka.
” Mendja e madhe e zeza te zote” , ” I ligu per mend ” by Moliere, “Birameli “, ” Professor Llapa “, ” Sherbetori i dy zoterive “. Mr. Goldoni, adapted by Hil Mosi, etc. –
” The Monkey Man “, ” The Guardian of Craftsmen” , ” Akshija i Grabitun ” and “Cfare dreqi te pruni ne Stajka“, adapted by Injac Ndoja.
The exclusivity on this page bears the date: September 16, 2022.
________________
Albanian Cinematography in activity since 2013
Reference: “Light of memories” – Acting anthology of the theater “Migjeni” / Xh. Bushati | “Albanian Encyclopedia, Theater and Cinematography” / Toena 2009 / J. Papagjoni / p. 243-244.
The profile photo was taken from the “Marubi” Photo Library!
Follow us: Blog: https://albaniancinematography.blogspot.com/ Vimeo: Albanian Cinematography (vimeo.com) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksh.faqjazyrtare Dailymotion: https://www.dailymotion.com/kinetografiashqiptareartisporti YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDRYQ5xCyGkfELm3mX8Rhtw
Discover more from Albanian Cinematography - Sport
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.