She is beautiful and talented. Olta Gixhari, 23, from the coastal city of Durres, some 30 km from Albanian capital Tirana, tasted fame early when she was still in college. She was offered the role of Catherine in “A View from the Bridge” by the American playwright Arthur Miller, and she loved it. She worked for the role with all her heart. She gave about 50 performances of the play but "felt no fatigue, just nice moments.”
In an interview with Southeast Europe – People and Culture, Gixhari shares her thoughts on her career and fame.
May we begin with your role – Catherine in “A View from the Bridge” which put you on the map. How did you feel about this role?
I didn’t have many difficulties in playing this part because the role of Catherine is one of an 18-year old girl, and the way I experienced my adolescence helped me interpret the part.
How did you get into this character?
I worked hard on the role and surprisingly, I don’t remember tiredness but only the nice moments. I put a lot of love, energy, passion and zeal into this role. I loved it a lot. I did not feel tired because I was happy.
When and where did your career of an actress begin?
When I played Catherine, I was still in college, so I was a student. Consequently, I could not call myself an actress at that time. But now, yes I can say that because I have graduated now. Yet in truth, you feel being an actress the very first day you are on the stage.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a bit of a rebel and contradictory girl. I become a rebel for things I really love. In addition, I am very sensitive.
Who are the people in your life to whom you are particularly grateful for who you are today?
My family comes first. They have really supported me in every way, from the first exam at college to the latest role. I am so happy about it because they represent for me the most sincere audience. I get very emotional when I see them in the audience.
On the other hand, I attribute my professional success to my professors, Niko Kanxheri and Timo Flloko. On top of all, I thank director Albert Minga, who gave me the opportunity to try my acting skills twice, in the parts of Filumena Marturano (written by Italian playwright and philosopher Eduardo De Filippo) and Catherine at “A View from the Bridge.”
What’s your attitude to fame?
Fame caught me by surprise when I was performing Catherine’s role - I gave approximately 50 performances - and my entire mind and heart was in the role. I was eager to enjoy the stage, the cast… fame was the last thing on my mind.
I earned fame quickly and because of that, I haven’t fully realized what has happened to me. I haven’t tasted it. But things have turned to normal now.
