Following the news that the National Theatre is set to be demolished, Exit decided to reach out to a number of ex-pats living in the country. While it is well known that a great number of civil society is against its demolition, we wanted to see how outsiders see the situation.
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Mayor of Tirana Erion Velija have stated previously that the theatre has no cultural or historical value. But what do foreigners think? Does the theatre bring cultural or historical value to how they see the city and do they think it should be demolished?
Lusia, a frequent visitor to Tirana said she thinks it should be kept. After meeting with some of the “resistance” people following the November earthquake, she has been following the issue closely. “It should be kept- because of its history, its meaning, its acoustics”, she said.
Richard added that the Theatre has significance as a landmark and is important culturally.
“It’s a lovely landmark and has cultural importance,” he said.
Others spoke out more passionately about its preservation. Jeffrey from the US said he is completely against it and that so much of Tirana’s heritage is disappearing.
“Too many of Tirana’s heritage buildings have disappeared since the 90s. A city loses part of its soul when its history is torn down.”’
W who has lived in Albania for a number of years echoed the sentiment that Tirana’s cultural identity is decreasing.
“It’s not even a question of liking the building or not (I think it’s awesome), it has been declared as a monument and cannot be demolished. It is part of an architectural ensemble of Italian buildings that form the core of Tirana. It’s an essential part of Tirana’s and Albania’s history. There would be a missing link if the government would remove this building,” he said.
T agreed that Tirana was losing a lot of its historical buildings; “It is an extraordinary building and should be kept. There is not much of that kind in Tirana.”
Another ex-pat, Tobi raised concerns that Tirana risks not being interesting for the eyes of the future and for tourists wishing to visit.
“It should remain in place. Its part of the city’s identity, and by far too many historic Tirana buildings from various times have been already demolished or get neglected beyond any repair. This historic houses then get replaced by bad or mediocre modern architecture. If it continues like that Tirana will not be an interesting place for the eyes in the future (compared to the interesting multi-era architectural mix which it still is today),” he said.
Brian, a Canadian citizen said he feels the Theatre is a work of art in itself. He noted how it’s unfortunate that Albania’s artistic community hasn’t had the power to be able to decide their fate or direction. This he said, means that those with “money, power, or political power, lean towards development and greed.”
He said the Theatre should stay where it is, should be designated as a national treasure and that a new theatre should be built elsewhere.
“It will indeed be a sad day when they demolish this beautiful icon.”
Ana added that “we must all come together to defend this great cultural wealth of the history of Albanian culture.”
Jonathan who is a regular visitor to Albania said he believes it is one of the most beautiful parts of the city.
“It is clear that the original architect, Giulio Berte, was very conscious of the need to ensure that his design integrated sympathetically with Florestano Di Fausto and Armando Brasini’s pre-WW2 city plan. His solution was a superb addition to the city centre, its human scale, use of the prevailing Neo-Renaissance style, and generous use of space in relation to its surroundings always reminds me of Italian medieval concepts of ideal city planning.”
He added that walking around the area is very enjoyable. In terms of the new concept for the theatre, he had some harsh observations.
“The new building, by the mediocre architectural conglomerate of Bjarke Ingels, is a monstrous intrusion: a bloated and ahistorical attempt at statement architecture, with no sense of fitting into its Mediterranean heritage, that swallows up space and light and dehumanises its surroundings. It dominates everything around it.”
He said he thinks Albania would be foolish to disregard the pleas of Europa Nostra to preserve it at a time the country is trying to deepen its European ties.
“For Albania to ignore such sentiments, at a time when it seeks to deepen its links with Europe, would be an act of unnecessary and undiplomatic self-harm. Albania’s architectural heritage is wonderful, but due to its troubled and often impoverished history its jewels are not in over-generous supply, so to demolish something so notable and so loved by so many would-be barbarous.”
Another ex-pat- Kelvin- referred to the Alliance for the Protection of the Theatre as “one of the most impressive, organized and frankly, beautiful movements that the Albanian civil society has made transnational history, full of substance and art”.
A recurring theme amongst commentators was that the project was a “money grab” designed to be nothing more than a “plot for greedy investors”. Patty and Martin agreed on this, adding it makes zero sense to destroy it.
Some respondents were not so attached and said that there are many more buildings being demolished throughout the country and we should focus on those as well. Others said they would only support the demolition if there was a guarantee a significant investment in the new theatre and the arts were being made, and that it wasn’t an excuse for “another empty shopping mall” or luxury commercial property to be put in its place.
