Xhelal Tafaj, an actor, was born in Tirana. He graduated from the High Institute of Arts in 1976 and then worked as an actor at the “Aleksandër Moisiu” Theater in Durrës, where he briefly served as its director in 1998. From 1992 to 1995, he worked as a cultural officer in the municipality of Durrës. His first role was that of Spart in the drama “The Failure of a Crusade” by Kadri Pirro; he later played leading roles, primarily in romantic, heroic, and dramatic plans, portraying positive characters with love stories, existential suffering, or struggles for survival. From time to time, he would break away from the established model of the heroic actor and successfully try his hand at comedy. With the role of Alfred in the play “To Be a Mother” by Roberto Bracco in 2006, he won the award for “Best Actor” at the Albanian Theater Festival in Dibër, North Macedonia. He has also appeared in films. Xhelal Tafaj delivers a heartfelt performance, generally in psychological tones and soft forms, where existential suffering is emphasized; he has an inner calm, self-confidence, a noticeable stage presence, acting charm, a beautiful voice, and a clear enunciation of words. (In the photo: Xhelal Tafaj)
Text: Josif Papagjoni
Photo: © http://www.panorama.com.al/aktori-xhelal-tafaj-%E2%80%9Cme-hoqen-nga-puna-me-djalin-e-gruan-per-8-majin%E2%80%9D/
Graphic processing: AHCF
