Yossi Zabari

Joseph (Yossi) Zabari (; born: 1972) is an Israeli actor, comedian, poet, spoken-word artist and dancer. Zabari is also a regular speaker at pro-democracy rallies held across Israel after coming to prominence through the various spoken word videos he posted online in which he articulates rhymes about political and social issues.

Biography Early years Yossi Zabari was born in Petah Tikva, the youngest son of Shula and David Zabari who immigrated from Yemen when they were ten years-old. Between 1996 and 1998 Zabari attended the Beit Zvi School of Performing Arts.

In 2000, he participated in the children's tape "Uncle Pompa" (דוד פומפה) where he dubbed the character of Rachamim.

Between 2001 and 2003 Zabari attended the Broadway School of Dance in New York City. Upon his return to Israel, he appeared mainly in commercial productions, dance productions and fringe theatre. Later, he took on the role of Pharaoh in a theatre production of "Moses" by Dudu Topaz which was directed by Moshe Kaptan (who later went on to become the artistic director at Habima Theatre). Zabari also took part in a theatre production of "Pinocchio" based on the book by Carlo Collodi at the Meditec Theatre in Holon. In addition, Zabari took on the lead in the dance production "Dream At the Tip of the Fingers" (חלום בקצה האצבעות – based on the film "Billy Elliot"), "The Wedding" (החתונה) and other productions. He later went on to take part in a satirical cabaret directed by Dalit Milstein.

In 2009, Zabari started performing at the Beer Sheva Theatre, in "The Count of Monte Cristo" a rendition by Ido Riklin based upon the book by Alexandre Dumas, Molier's "Le Malade Imaginaire", Shakspear's "Much Ado About Nothing", and "Life of Galileo" by Bertolt Brecht. At a Short Theatre Festival at Tzavta Theatre in Tel-Aviv, Zabari took part in the opereta "The Jiljul" by Yoni Lahav directed by Tal Brener. He also played the executioner in the opereta "Mikado" by Gilbert and Sullivan and later on played the part of Winston in the play "The Island" by Ethol Fogard directed by Itay Tiran.

In 2013, Zabari returned as casting director for the Cameri Theatre. Participated in the play "Little Man, What Now?" (איש קטן, מה עכשיו) a play by Hans Fallada directed by Itay Tiran. Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand directed by Gilad Kimchi, "Ivanov" by Anton Chekhov directed by Arthur Kugen.

In 2016 Zabari began acting at Beit Lessin in a play entitled "His Name is King" (קוראים לו מלך) by Savion Librecht directed by Alon Ofir. He also took part ina fringe theatre play "The Recuperation Home of Time" (בית ההבראה של הזמן) based on short stories by Bruno Schultz directed by Yafim Kutcher.

Over time, Zabari produced a number of one-man shows, among which are "Yossi Zabari: Simple" (יוסי צברי. פשוט) (2004–2005), "Poetry Slam", and "Queer and Sensual Standup" (2015–2016). These shows incorporated short monologues, dance and rhyming poetry and touched on personal experiences of Zabari throughout his life.

On television, Zabari starred in the Israeli sitcom "The Azani Family" (משפחת עזאני) on Channel 2, hosted a music program on YES and guest starred on various programs on the Israeli Children's Network as well as various other television shows.

Since 2018, Zabari stars on the internet show "Burned" (שרופים) on the Teddy Channel.

In 2019 he appeared in the comedy film "Bezmek". That same year he went on to win 1st place at the annual Israel "Poetry Slam Contest" and went on to represent Israel in Paris.

In addition to his work as an actor, Zabari is also a teacher at Beit Zvi as well as director of plays. Zabari also lectures to Israeli students as well as students throughout the world about Israeli culture.

Personal life Zabari is an openly gay man, married to Nir Yanai, a graphic artist, and lives in Tel-Aviv. The two are parents to a son who was born in 2020.