Memorie.al / Hysen Devolli is one of the first Albanian scenographers. His name is included in the World Encyclopedia of Scenography. Hysen Devolli was born in Gjakova on August 11, 1924, into a patriotic family originating from Kosovo, but he received his primary education in Tirana. He passed away on March 29, 2013, at the age of 89. For his long career spanning more than 60 years, Hysen Devolli was awarded a series of titles, decorations, and medals. At a very young age, Devolli took an active part in the National Anti-Fascist Liberation War. After the country’s liberation, given his notable talent for figurative arts, he was sent to Bucharest for studies at the “Nicolae Grigorescu” Academy of Fine Arts in Romania, where he graduated in Scenography from the studio of sculptor N. Ziegrid. Perikli Çuli, Spiro Kristo, and Isuf Sulovari also studied at this institution, as did Lasgush Poradeci previously.
“The first groups of graduates began to return around the second half of the ’50s. Names like Sali Shijaku, Kristaq Rama, Jakup Keraj, Zef Shoshi, Kujtim Buza, Agim Zajmi, Llambi Blido, Rafael Dembo, Mumtaz Dhrami, Shaban Hadëri, Thanas Papa, Vilson Kilica, and Guri Madhi studied in the Soviet Union, while Thoma Thomai, Hektor Dule, Ksenofon Dilo, Halim Beqiraj, and Llazar Myzeqari studied in Prague; Hysen Devolli, Perikli Çuli, Spiro Kristo, and Isuf Sulovari in Bucharest; Danish Jukniu and Shaban Hysa in Warsaw, and Aristotel Papa in Zagreb,” writes Dr. Ermir Hoxha in his study book, “Art in Albania in the years 1945-2000.”
Upon his return to the homeland in 1952, he was appointed to various state positions, initially as the director of the National Gallery of Arts and later heading the scenography sector of the People’s Theatre (Teatri Popullor) and the Theatre of Opera and Ballet. During his creative activity, he realized approximately 300 scenography works with high professionalism.
His work as a scenographer at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet is extensive. He began with the first opera performance, “Rusalka.” The opera “Rusalka” premiered in 1953. The scenography bore the name of a well-known master, Hysen Devolli. This was followed by the scenographies for other works such as the operas “Ivan Susanin,” “The Bartered Bride,” “Iolanta,” “Borana,” “Beyond the Mist,” the operetta “Agimi” (The Dawn), “The Groom was Transferred,” the ballets “Cuca e Maleve” (The Mountain Girl), “Bijtë e Peshkatarit” (The Fisherman’s Sons), etc.
“Agimi” is the first operetta in Albanian creative history, composed on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of liberation in 1954 by the composer Kristo Kono, “Artist of the People.” Its creators were the director Pandi Stillu, painter Hysen Devolli, conductor Kostandin Trako, and choreographer Panajot Kanaçi. The opera “The Bartered Bride” premiered on stage on May 19, 1956. This was the third opera staged in Albania. The work belongs to the composer Bedřich Smetana; the team included conductor Mustafa Krantja, director Milada Jeraskova, painter Hysen Devolli, choirmaster Kostandin Trako, and choreographer Bohumil Çegan. On January 9, 1968, (on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of our National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, 1468), the opera “Bijtë e Skënderbeut” (Skanderbeg’s Sons) was performed for the first time on the stage of the Durrës Palace of Culture. The scenographers were Hysen Devolli and Zef Ujkaj.
“Goca e Kaçanikut” (The Girl of Kaçanik) is the first opera by Kosovar composer Rauf Dhomi, as well as the first Albanian opera of Kosovo, composed in 1972, the premiere of which was staged by the troupe of the Theatre of Opera and Ballet in July 1979. The scenographer was Hysen Devolli.
The Albanian opera “Borana” dates back to 1984. Composer Avni Mula, libretto Gjergj Zheji, director Dhimitër Pecani, choreographer Pëllumb Agalliu, conductor Ermir Krantja, scenographer Hysen Devolli. “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” written by William Shakespeare, was staged on February 6, 1959. Director: Kujtim Spahivogli. Assistant Director: Kadri Roshi. Scenographer: Hysen Devolli. Music: Çesk Zadeja.
Many works in the National Gallery of Arts’ fund bear his signature. With this creativity, he was worthily represented in almost all national exhibitions, as well as in those of other countries, such as the Biennial of Egypt, etc. As a painter, Devolli was distinguished for his treatment of powerful compositions with historical themes, but also those drawn from everyday life. Similarly, his signature is found on a wide range of sketches for Albanian philatelic emissions (stamps), especially featuring portraits of prominent figures, as well as the set of Albanian banknotes issued in 1964. The State Bank of Albania honored the struggle for national liberation from foreign invaders with the 50 Lek banknote of 1964, designed by the painter Hysen Devolli. Devolli was also involved in book illustrations. Memorie.al
