06.03.2025

“Don’t give up, please don’t give way,

Even if the cold burns,

Even if fear bites,

Even if the sun sets,

And the wind goes silent,

There is still fire in your soul

There is still life in your dreams.

Because every day is a new beginning,

Because this is the hour and the best moment.

Because you are not alone, because I love you.

There is still time…”

Revolt was the essence of the poetry night “Poetry for Power”—a revolt against the oppression of patriarchy, against the silence imposed on women, against suffocation and inequality that weigh on them every day. It was a night where words became weapons, where the verses of Mario Benedetti, brought to life by the powerful interpretation of Alesia Xhemalaj, resounded as a call to never surrender—because the fire of the soul still burns.

On March 6, at the Mensa “Ramiz Sadiku”, artists, activists, and poets united in a single voice. We marked March 8 with a poetic revolt—a revolt that inspired us to dare, to rise, and to demand freedom, equality, and justice.

In the verses of Ilire Zajmi, “The Memory of the Body” came to life through her performance, taking us back to memories that moved between pain and strength. Bibi Qena brought the voice of Maram al Masri to life with the poem “Learn to Be Angry”, a direct call to refuse submission. Rudina Dembacaj performed “I Am Guilty” by Radmila Lazić, unveiling the fragility and strength of women who refuse to remain silent. Blerta Syla – Surroi created a powerful moment with the verses of Donika Dabishevci, performing “Never Surrender, My Girl”, a call for the strength and resilience of women.

The music of Don’t Listen to Your Neighbors became the heartbeat between the poems, a rhythm that ignited the space and stirred the souls of the audience.

The poems of Jacques Brel, Oriana Fallaci, and Alda Merini came to life through the performances of Bislim Muçaj, Anisa Ismaili, and Sheqerie Buqaj. They brought deep emotions, memories of a time that still echoes in the present. Meanwhile, actor Ergjan Mehmeti conveyed the passion of love through the verses of Xhejlane Terbunja, “Let’s Kiss Like We Did Before.”

In the third part of the evening, the power of poetry became an open battle. Albulena Kryeziu Bokshi performed “La Terra Santa” by Alda Merini, a fragmented tale between hope and darkness. Alesia Xhemalaj brought the inner sound of Mario Benedetti with “You Still Have Time…”, delivering hope that never tires. Gili Hoxhaj led us through an emotional journey with the poem ‘The Threshold of Waiting’ – a tribute to the women and girls who, despite their pain, continue to wait for loved ones still missing since the Kosovo war. Jonada Jashari struck every heart present with her verses “I Killed All Fake Loves”.

The final panel of poets and performers brought verses that became calls for resistance and freedom. Zana Hoxha, who also moderated this poetry night, performed Sibel Halimi’s poem “Storm on a White Horse”, a deep reflection on freedom as humanity’s final salvation. Vlora Ademi, with an outstanding performance, brought her poem “This Is How Women Leave” – an anthem for the courage, love, and pride of women. The night also celebrated love, with actor Shpëtim Kastrati captivating the audience with his rendition of Pablo Neruda’s “Your Smile”, while Xhejlane Terbunja delivered a powerful interpretation of Virginia Woolf’s poem “Stay Alive”, a call to never surrender and to live fully.

Each poem gained a new dimension of revolt, enhanced by the presence of Don’t Listen to Your Neighbors, who delivered an unforgettable musical experience to the audience.

But the night didn’t end with the performers on stage. The microphone was opened to the audience, to those who felt the need to speak. Poetry transcended the stage – flowing through the hands of those who shared the verses of their beloved poets, in the voices that dared to be heard, and in the spirits moved by the power of words.

At the end of the night, we were no longer just listeners – we were all part of this poetic revolt, all together in one word: power.

Poetry continues to live on. The revolt does not end here.

This activity was organized by Artpolis, with support from UNFPA, Frieda and Ministry of Culture.