On January 13, 1963, the first Albanian ballet, “Halili and Hajria”, was staged.

This ballet was forged from the subject of the drama with the same title, written in 1949, by Kolë Jakova. Hymnizing the exploits of the warriors of the Great Highlands against the Turkish yoke (in the 18th century) would inspire Tish Daina to compose the melodic line. The choreographic expressions of Panajot Kanac were performed by the troupe of dancers of the Opera and Ballet Theater (TOB).

The first performers in the role of Halil were Xhemil Simixhi, Kristaq Rada and Llaqi Nako and in the role of Hajria, Ganimet Vendresha and Zoica Haxho, while in the other roles the names of Luan Shtino, Miltiadh Papa, Agron Aliajt, Skender Jazexhiut, etc.

The show was an unprecedented success and over the years, it was performed hundreds of times on the TOB stage for local performers. “Halili and Hajria” was also shown abroad, in Kosovo (1979), in France (1980), in Greece (1983) and in Italy (1991).

The General Directorate of Archives brings photos of the decision of the Ministry of Education and Culture to send the ballet troupe abroad (to Kosovo and Greece), for staging the ballet “Halili and Hajria”.