Israeli playwright Yoel Zilberg dead at 86

Over the years he directed, wrote or adapted more than 50 shows, most notably Igal Mossensohn’s Casablan.

By HELEN KAYE
Published: FEBRUARY 19, 2013 22:23
zilberg370 (photo credit: Courtesy)
zilberg370
(photo credit: 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.