Sinolichka Trpkova — the Azra of Time of the Gypsies who still keeps the same charm
The actress who rose to fame at 23 for her role in the 1988 Kusturica film now teaches acting in Skopje and remains admired for her presence.
More than three decades after the premiere of Emir Kusturica's cult film Time of the Gypsies (1988), the love story between Perhan and Azra remains widely remembered across the former Yugoslavia — and the actress who played Azra still draws attention.
Sinolichka Trpkova was 23 when she was chosen for the female lead; Kusturica reportedly noticed her while she was in a boutique and selected her for the part. The role turned her into a household name across the region virtually overnight.
The film later collected numerous international prizes, and Trpkova’s portrayal of Azra is still considered one of the defining parts of her career. Although she did not frequently return to the big screen afterwards, she has often said she is proud to have been part of such a major project.
“When you have an experience like that behind you, later it becomes a problem, because in every subsequent job — whether acting or teaching — you strive for perfection and set extremely high standards for yourself,” Trpkova said on one occasion.
From screen to classroom
For decades Trpkova has devoted herself to pedagogy: she is a professor of acting at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje, where she passes on her knowledge and experience to new generations of performers.
Privately, Trpkova is married to a Dutchman, Marcel, and they have a son and a daughter. Though she exchanged the stage and frequent film work for a quieter life in education, she is still noted for the same energy, charisma and unmistakable presence that made her a star.
Photo: press material from the event
