The famous Albanian artist has been very influential in rap music in Albania and Europe. Since early on his left his mark as one of the original and talented creators in the field. After a successful music career, Arban Përlala started his acting career, a passion he had since early on. In the following interview Arban talks about his career and his upcoming projects.
What has been your biggest achievement in the field of acting?
Arban Përlala: My role as Tony at the film “Out of touch” 2011. Also my role as myself at the Tv Series “Deka lepta kirigma” 2000-.
How did you get your first break?
Arban Përlala: I don’t think there is such a thing as a first break in any professional career. I have been related to acting since early on in my life. I was 6-7 years old when I was first started to read books. At around 8-9 years old I was reading a lot of books compared to other kids my age. And I was only 10 years old when I performed during Christmas in front of a large crowed at a church, in my hometown in Albania. Then at 17 years old I first performed at a theater show in Athens, Greece. And from then on things kept happening very fast; from reading to writing, to theater, to rhyming, to rapping, to tv/ radio/newspapers and magazines, to acting, to shooting, to feature film.
What is your best quality as an actor?
Arban Përlala: My best quality as an actor is that I am not shy to try. I don’t spend time thinking that I might do it wrong and what then. I just do it. Again and again and again until I do it right and until the director is happy with it.
I have learned this from my career on audio recording studios as I have been executive producer in many projects. Many people involved many of them without the necessary skills at the vocal recording. But when I need that song done and ready -for a commercial project- I don’t have the luxury to spend my time with shy people. The one who does it, does the job. Action!
Where did you study or get your training?
Arban Përlala: I am not trained but I have learned about body language, face expressions and movements. When it comes to memorizing the script, it is natural to me. On this I have been training for more than 14 years of writing and performing Rap lyrics. I have been writing hundreds of lines and I remember most of them very well.
Tell us about some of your favorite characters and your method for developing them.
Arban Përlala: The most important to develop a character, in my opinion is to read the script. Read the script. Read it all. And read it again. Not just your part, all the script. This is a good start to be able to better understand and portray the role you are asked to play.
What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?
Arban Përlala: To read and listen.
Who is your ideal director or role model in the industry?
Arban Përlala: The ideal director or role model is an experienced director, who has done a lot of movies. They can give concrete advice and proper guidance.
Describe your dream role.
Arban Përlala: Dream roles are for script-writers and directors. Me as an actor I function more like a plug-in. Do this. Of course there are some roles that I will never consider.
Interview by Ermira Babamusta