National Theater of Kosovo

The National Theatre of Kosovo stands in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. It was founded in 1946 in Prizren and moved to Pristina in 1949. The theatre is the highest ranked institution of its kind in the country and the only public theatre. More than 400 premieres have been produced and over three million spectators have attended performances. The building houses Albanian drama, Kosovo Ballet and a technical sector. The theatre has shaped Kosovo’s artistic life since the mid-20th century. It created the first competition for original dramas in the 1950s and later established the Katarina Josipi competition. Many Albanian authors saw their works staged here, including Haki Stërmilli’s ‘Sikur të isha djalë’. The theatre also promoted art criticism through newspapers such as ‘Rilindje’ and ‘Zëri’. Visitors find a modern stage in the centre of Pristina. The auditorium presents plays, ballets and occasional international weeks. The building contains rehearsal rooms, costume workshops and administrative offices. Outside, Pristina’s cafés and pedestrian streets provide a lively setting for an evening at the theatre.