Fortunately the theatre had been insured and local government officials have promised its quick reconstruction
TIRANA, August 8 – Last week proved a disaster for the cultural heritage of the central Albanian city of Elbasan, where the 80-year-old local Skampa theatre was burned down after a fire broke out in hotel next to it. The incident took place in the afternoon of August 4 when a fire broke out after two people were carrying out welding works in a hotel just behind the state-owned theatre. The fired burned down the majority of the theatre’s interior including the stage.
Fortunately the theatre’s archive and its costumes were saved.
Elbasan Mayor Qazim Sejdini blamed the theatre’s burning on the late intervention by local firefighters and their lack of professionalism.
Fortunately the theatre had been insured and local government officials have promised its quick reconstruction.
The theatre’s burning will also cancel the 13th edition of the Skampa contemporary international festival scheduled to be held from October 25 to 31.
The building was one of the special cultural objects of national heritage of Albania. In this object, built about 80 years ago, hundreds of plays, of Albanian and worldwide repertoire, were put on stage.
“This building reflects the Skampa professional theater history, the artists of this theater who gave the name and received praise from it. For 13 years the theatre served as the venue of the International Theatre Festival, which has been one of the most important theater events in Albania and the region. The stage of this theater has been well-known for its special architectural and acoustic qualities not only in Albania but in all region,” theatre representatives says.
“Reconstruction of this facility is an obligation and liability to the inheritance and continuity of Elbasan and Albanian Cultural values. In these circumstances, any financial contribution, even modest, is welcome and appreciated,” says Adonis Filipi, the artistic director of Skampa theatre Festival.
