Zina Andri, a theater director of Ukrainian descent, passed away. Her real name was Zinaida Andrejenko. She was born in 1924. In 1943, she began her higher education in acting at Moscow University, at the “Lunačarski” theatrical institute in the former Soviet Union. She participated in “cultural brigades” at the front during World War II, receiving medals for her service. In 1946, she graduated as an actress and, after completing a specialized course with high marks, also graduated as a director. Due to her talent and artistic training, she was appointed as an assistant professor at the “Lunačarski” institute and as an assistant to director Tarhanov, People’s Artist of the Soviet Union. She met Albanian actor Andon Pano in Moscow and married him in 1948. In 1949, she came to Albania and began working at the Army Theater, where she staged the plays “Under the Chestnuts of Paris” and “Behind the Second Front.” Their success brought her to the People’s Theater, where she worked for over 15 years and realized 20 premieres. As one of the first professional directors in the People’s Theater, Zina Andri stood out for her valuable contribution to raising the professional level of actors, especially in terms of analyzing and understanding artistic figures, creating ensemble performances, harmonizing theatrical components, and defining the style of the shows. After 1965 until her retirement in 1975, due to mistrust from the authorities and political prejudices of the time, she was not given any opportunity to stage a new piece with the theater troupe. Zina Andri remained a respected and honored artist among audiences and the theatrical community in Albania. (In the photograph: Zina Andri)
Text: Josif Papagjoni
Photo: © https://www.facebook.com/ksh.faqjazyrtare/photos/regjisorja-ruse-zina-andri-pano-me-pandi-stillu-regjisorin-e-pare-te-teatrit-shq/
Graphic Processing: AHCF
