Zarif Kabier, a distinguished Afghan thespian, has garnered widespread recognition for his impressive career in both stage and screen acting. This accomplished individual holds a Master's degree in acting from the prestigious Columbia University, where he was honored with the esteemed Dean's Scholarship Award, a testament to his exceptional academic abilities. Furthermore, Kabier's remarkable talent and dedication to his craft were so impressive that he was granted a waiver of the usual Bachelor's degree requirement, allowing him to directly pursue his Master's degree in acting.
Zarif's existence was inaugurated as the second son to Muhammed Kabier Sadiqi, a renowned medical doctor and Afghan National Army General, who had earned a reputation for his unwavering dedication to his profession and country.
Zarif's early life was marked by a tumultuous backdrop of civil unrest and brutal regime in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he was forced to confront the harsh realities of war and oppression firsthand. The tumultuous environment, characterized by the devastating Afghan civil war and the iron-fisted rule of the Taliban, had a profound impact on Zarif's formative years, shaping his worldview and instilling in him a sense of resilience and determination.
Despite the challenges they faced, Zarif's family remained steadfast in their resolve to create a better life for themselves, ultimately leading them to seek political asylum in the United States. This pivotal decision marked a turning point in Zarif's life, as he left behind the turmoil of his native Afghanistan and began anew in a foreign land.
The remainder of Zarif's formative years were spent in the United States, where he was able to find solace and stability in a new environment. This period of growth and development allowed Zarif to refine his perspectives, cultivate new relationships, and forge a path forward, ultimately setting the stage for his future accomplishments.
Zarif's esteemed career as a stage actor has afforded him the extraordinary opportunity to share the stage with a multitude of prestigious regional theatre companies, boasting an impressive array of notable collaborations. These esteemed institutions include the esteemed Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, a prominent off-Broadway theatre, as well as the renowned Cleveland Playhouse, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, the Thick House in San Francisco, Actor's Theatre of Louisville, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and numerous other esteemed companies.
Furthermore, Zarif's recent credits boast a production at the esteemed Guthrie Theatre, where he had the privilege of performing in the captivating production of Enemy of the People. Moreover, he has also had the extraordinary honor of sharing the stage with the revered LA Philharmonic Orchestra at the iconic Disney Concert Hall, where he brought to life the timeless classic, Shakespeare's The Tempest.