A multitalented Albanian artist, comedian, actor, musician and vocalist, Aleks Seitaj has created a character that is considered the first drag queen in Albania. Vezirja, played by Seitaj, has managed to meet the Albanian public through social networks and a nationwide known television program, Portokalli. The character was then promoted worldwide by participating in the 3rd season of Drag Race Italia. Combining sarcasm, music and stand-up, Vezirja's shows are very entertaining but also very empowering, especially for the queer community and all those who feel different. “When I was young, I would see the artists of the Albanian scene and even though some of them were pretty good, I did not see myself in any of them. And I am not blaming them of course, artists should express what they have in their heart without boundaries. And then I had to make a choice - I would wait for an artist to represent me, or be the artist that represents me”, says Seitaj emphasizing the power and the role creativity and art have on one’s freedom and on driving changes. As Aleks’s moto has always been - if you could do it on stage, you can be yourself in your everyday life, he shares the world behind the character.   

-How does the slogan ‘Creativity empowers us together’ resonate with you?

Creativity is the purest form of self-expression. It is true that creation is the opposite of destruction. The power of art is to express and with this expression, to empower the people who want and need art. The core of the human being is the same, we have the same needs, the same emotions and the same struggles. That is the uniting part that art offers us. When it comes to drag, we are the super heroes of the queer community but not only. The symbol of the drag queen is that of a creature who rejects the traditional shame and goes on stage to celebrate life, acceptance and positivity. Often, what we need in our life is to feel special, feel accepted or just have a good laugh. This mood, this vibe, brings unity in my community by creating a safe space where everyone can feel seen and accepted. My moto has always been - if I can do this on stage, you can be yourself in your everyday life.

EU in Albania

-Can creativity help to shape a world where everyone feels included and valued, regardless of their background or identity?

Creativity has always shaped the world. It always starts with a vision that becomes reality. In history a lot of important movements and changes, have been started and carried by art and creativity. We may have different backgrounds or different identities, but we love the same, we cry the same, we suffer the same. Of course, people have different struggles and that’s the reason why we enjoy, different genres of art and that’s why creativity, is important. The more genres of art there are, the more inclusivity there is.

-How do you see your creative work contributing to political and social change?

When I was young, I would see the artists of the Albanian scene and even though some of them were pretty good, I did not see myself in any of them. And I am not blaming them of course, artists should express what they have in their heart without boundaries. And then I had to make a choice - I would wait for an artist to represent me, or be the artist that represents me. Obviously, I chose the second one. I did not expect that this choice would be so important to many, many people. Bringing Drag to Albania was a dangerous choice, but I am happy that a lot of people understood the concept, enjoyed my work and even got inspired by it. I was lucky, but in the end, I was just following my heart and I guess, that is the core of freedom.