In 2012, the artist was commissioned to create a performance piece for Tirana’s Skanderbeg Square during Tirana Architecture Week. The square had been transformed from an open pedestrian space into a roundabout, featuring a raised lawn with a statue of Skanderbeg and a small paved area for gatherings. The artist planned to use the paved area for a photo-performance involving 100 young people.

 

She wanted to tell the story of the last generation of pioneers who, like her, were equipped with the dresses to perform but left without the system for which to do so, finding themselves in turbulent times of change. Skanderbeg Square was chosen as an important historical reference – a place once used by the pioneers during various ceremonies. 

 

However, upon her arrival in Tirana, the mayor withdrew the permit for the event. He banned large gatherings of young people in the square, as well as any reference to the country’s communist past. The reason given was that week’s official application for Albania to join the EU. 

 

Two pioneers, however, insisted on participating in the project and “reclaiming the square and their history.” They also initiated a public debate during Tirana Architecture Week on censorship, propaganda, and the need for critical reflection on the country’s complex past.