Video from the performance
Jesus Christ Superstar, one of the most famous musicals in the world, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, came to the stage of the National Theatre of Albania during the holiday season at the end of 2023.
Just as the storyline of this musical portrays the final week of Christ’s life, this production also served as a humanistic appeal, conveying messages of sacrifice, peace, and love for one another.
For the audience, this musical production was both an innovation and a multisensory experience. The retelling of the biblical story of Jesus keeps the audience captivated as they follow one musical number after another without any intermission, and even without any spoken dialogue.
Every detail of the story is conveyed solely through music, with lyrics in English exactly as originally written by Tim Rice. In the tradition of musical theater, this work is also known as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera.
From the perspective of the performers on stage, this production conveys several important messages to our protagonists: when there is willpower and kindness, everything is possible; teamwork is far more important than personal ego; and musical theater represents a new opportunity for talented young people in Albania.
A total of 37 artists participated in the realization of this production.
Producer – BashArt
Stage Director – Altin Basha
Conductor – Erald Simixhiu
Set and Costume Designer – Ilirianë Basha
Orchestrator – Jusiald Xhani
Choreographer – Sedmir Memia
Vocal Coach – Linda Kazani
Main Cast
Jesus – Ervis Saliasi
Judas – Amri Hasanlliu
Mary Magdalene – Egzona Ademi
Pilate – Igli Zarka
King Herod – Donald Shehu
Caiaphas – Kristo Qerama
Annas – Klinti Collaku
Peter – Ilia Kaçi
Simon – Silvio Goskova
Musical Company
Maria Ademaj, Sabina Dona, Blina Muci, Egzona Bogdani, Verona Kryeziu, Jurgest Tomori, Aldrin Biba, Orest Hoxhallari, Sedmir Memia, Luisa Dinellari, Sara Koçi, Adela Gjyla, Stiv Osmanaj, Mario Bali, Erdet Miraka, Xhoni Spahi.
Band
Erald Simixhiu – Stage Piano
Emil Zaharia – Electric Bass
Denis Hima – Electric Guitar
Gert Hima – Drums
Mateo Gjipi – Keyboard
Bledar Sejko – Guitar
