(Photo: Shai Fredo)
Join us for an informal conversation with Ethiopian-Israeli film and theater actor, Shai Fredo, to hear about his journey to Israel as a boy and his experience assimilating into Israeli society. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to help us plan accordingly.
About the speaker
Born in the village of Matcha in Ethiopia, actor Shai Fredo, his family and their entire Jewish village, had always longed to come to Israel, to Zion. In 1983, when Shai was seven years old, he and his extended family walked all the way to Sudan (a six week journey) with hopes that they could ultimately reach Jerusalem. After 11 months in a refugee camp in Sudan (where refugees were streaming from all over Africa, due to wars, and famine) Shai and his family were airlifted to Israel in Operation Moses - one of the thousands of Ethiopian refugees who were brought over to Israel through this massive, covert airlift.
His story reveals the dreams and sacrifices of Ethiopian Jews ("Beta Israel") to reach Israel, and the challenges of becoming Israeli. After finishing his army service, Shai studied acting, voice, movement, and playwriting at The Visual Theatre School in Jerusalem. From 2001-2004, he studied at the prestigious Nissan Nativ Acting School on a scholarship from Keren Hanan Aynor (an organization that assists talented and highly-motivated Ethiopian Israelis to acquire higher education and/or advanced professional degrees), graduating with honors.
Shai has performed and directed productions both in Israel and abroad and is well-known for his one man show, ״The Lion of Judah,״ as well as his role in the Ethiopian Israeli production of ״One of a Kind,״ and the film “Live and Become.״ A famous figure in Israel, Shai is a role model to many young Ethiopians who seek a future in films or on stage.
Work Experience for film and theatre:
2011-2015- Producer & Artistic Director of "Sigdiyada"- Biggest Ethiopian culture festival in Israel. 2014- "Friendship", Writer and Actor 2013- "One Man, Two Guvnors" (Richard Bean) Beit Lessin theater 2011- "Avram" Ensemble Herzlia Theater 2010-2012- "Love & Relationships"- Love Comedy. Writer and Director. 2008 "One of a Kind" -- a play at The Haifa Festival 2008 (NYC on Broadway) Other acting roles: 2006 A supporting role in the internationally acclaimed film "Go, Live, And Become" Va, Vis et Deviens, France, directed by Rado Michaelano 2006-2015 "The Lion Of Judea" (Gur Aryeh Yehuda) -- one-man original play written by Shai Fredo, directed by D. Burobin 2005 "The Keeper", -- short film, USA 2005 "The Lighted Darkness" a play by D. Waldman 2005 "Vika" -- short Israeli film, international festival award winner