Scenography for Tokë e ndezur (Burning Earth)

Albanian National Theatre, 1982

Playwright: Fahri Balliu
First Production: “Skampa” Dramatic Theatre, Elbasan (1981), National Theatre of Albania, Tirana (1982)
Director: Tomorr Ishmani (1981), Piro Mani(1982)
Scenography: Agim Zajmi
Medium: Tempera on canvas
Dimensions: 54.7 × 64.7 cm
Collection: National Gallery of Arts of Albania

Tokë e ndezur was first staged in 1982 by the “Skampa” Theatre of Elbasan and later presented at the Albanian National Theatre in Tirana under the direction of Piro Mani. The cast included major figures of Albanian theatre and cinema such as Demir Hyskja and Kadri Roshi. This work represents a significant example of modern Albanian scenography.

For this production, Agim Zajmi conceived a monumental and symbolic stage composition dominated by a towering rocky formation and an ascending pathway structuring the dramatic action. The dark chromatic range, intensified by deep red tonalities, creates a charged psychological atmosphere, transforming the stage into a metaphorical landscape of conflict and endurance.

Preserved today in the National Gallery of Arts of Albania, this work reflects Zajmi’s mature scenographic language and his decisive contribution to modern Albanian theatre design, within a career spanning more than 300 stage productions.