Israeli playwright Yoel Zilberg dead at 86
By HELEN KAYE
02/19/2013 22:23
Over the years he directed, wrote or adapted more than 50 shows, most notably Igal Mossensohn’s Casablan.
Yoel Zilberg (far right) Photo: Courtesy
Playwright/director Yoel Zilberg, 86, died in his sleep on Monday morning.
Zilberg remained productive to his last days, having submitted plays or
adaptations to the various theaters over the last year as well as directing a
couple of shows for commercial theater.
He was the second generation of
his family to go into theater; his father was Zion Zilberg, who’d been an actor
with the Ohel. During the 1948 War of Independence he was a member of the
Chizbatron entertainment troupe, then went off to study directing at London’s
Old Vic.
Over the years he directed, wrote or adapted more than 50 shows,
most notably Igal Mossensohn’s Casablan, currently enjoying a hit revival at the
Cameri Theater. His productions include I Like Mike, Children of a Lesser God as
well as movies and TV programs such as Ramat Aviv Gimmel. He also directed in
Hollywood, with Lambada and Breakin’ among his movies.
He leaves his
wife, Miriam, three children, seven grand- and two
great-granchildren.
His funeral took place on Tuesday.