On May 26, 1930, "The Daily Mirror" published an exclusive interview with the renowned actor Aleksandër Moisi, conducted by its special correspondent in London. This rare piece, recently brought to light for the Albanian public by Aurenc Bebja through the blog "Dars (Klos), Mat – Albania," offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and career of this extraordinary performer.
Hamlet in German
Aleksandër Moisi, celebrated for his commanding stage presence, made his debut performance at London’s Globe Theatre that very evening. The interview took place in a sunlit Chelsea garden, where Moisi stood beneath a laburnum tree, embodying an almost Shakespearean image offstage.
Having recently arrived in England, Moisi had already mingled with several notable figures, including Mrs. Margaret Lloyd George, Miss Megan Lloyd George, Sir John and Lady Lavery, and prominent theatre personalities. He was set to open the international season at the Globe Theatre, organized by Charles B. Cochran and Maurice Browne, with two performances: Tolstoy’s "Der Lebende Leichnam" ("The Living Corpse") and Shakespeare’s "Hamlet." Both productions would be performed in German.
"The Living Corpse," originally known as "Redemption" when staged in England years prior, featured Moisi in his most celebrated role — Fedya. A naturalized German born in Venice, Moisi had earned a global reputation for his artistry, captivating audiences across the world.
“I have performed in the capital of every white country in the world, except London,” Moisi remarked during the interview. “I have played Hamlet 1,000 times.”
While professing a deep love for Shakespeare, he also expressed admiration for George Bernard Shaw’s works. His unruly hair, intense dark eyes, and expressive face exuded the spirit of Hamlet even beyond the stage. His voice, rich with dramatic modulation, seemed perfectly tuned to Shakespeare’s lyrical demands.
When asked if he planned to perform in English, Moisi shrugged. “I have only been to England three times, and those were short visits. One day, perhaps…”
This rare interview paints a vivid portrait of a legendary actor on the cusp of his London debut, capturing his charisma, his passion for theatre, and his unwavering devotion to Shakespeare’s greatest role.