On September 4th, the festival’s grand finale took place, marking the end of Albania’s premier theatrical event. The festival culminated with a performance of Korça’s Carnival, directed by Erion Isai, followed by an awards ceremony. The event, which has been running in Korça since August 28, offered a spectacular close to its week-long celebration of theater.

Winners announced:

• Best production: Korça’s Carnival
• Best director: Fatos Berisha
• Career achievement award: Leka Bungo
• Best lead actress: Zamira Kita
• Best lead actor: Armand Morina
• Best new artist: Urim Aliaj
• Best new actress: Ilda Pepi
• Best supporting actress: Paola Kodra
• Best supporting actor: Ard Islami

Over the past week, KoKo Fest has showcased an impressive lineup of theatrical troupes from Vlora, Kosovo, Greece, Durrës, Tirana, Shkodra, and the local “Andon Zako Çajupi” Theatre of Korça. The festival opened with a stirring production of Vassa Zheleznova, directed by Enke Fezollari and performed by the “Andon Zako Çajupi” Theatre troupe, and concluded with a final performance by the same group.

The festival featured a range of notable performances. The play Good Night with My Husband, presented on the second evening by the talented actors of the “Petro Marko” Theatre from Vlora, drew a full house at the Korça Theatre and elicited endless laughter from the audience.

The third night showcased Club Albania by the National Theatre of Kosovo, which impressed with its unique script, costume design, and set, providing a perfect blend of humor and emotion that resonated deeply with the audience.

The festival celebrated Greek musical legends with They Told Me Marika, They Called Me Marika on the fourth evening as a tribute to Marika Papagika and Marika Ninu, presented by the Northern Greece State Theatre and the Regional Municipal Theatre of Serres.

10 Years of Marriage by the “Aleksandër Moisiu” Theatre of Durrës delighted the audience with its exceptional acting, witty situations, and memorable lines, and was performed on the fifth night.

The sixth night was highlighted by The Testament, a thought-provoking piece by Leka Bungo, featuring the renowned actor Viktor Zhusti. The performance provided a compelling historical overview of Albania from 1941 to the present, exploring the evolution of the country through the eyes of a Communist character.

On the seventh night, Crime Is Only Mine, performed by the “Migjeni” Theatre of Shkodër and directed by Driada Dervishi, added to the festival’s diverse offerings.

Throughout its eight spectacular nights, KoKo Fest has transformed Korça into a vibrant cultural destination, attracting visitors and artists from Albania, Greece, Kosovo, and beyond. Attendees have enjoyed not only the theatrical performances but also the city’s natural beauty, culinary delights, and rich traditions.