ABSTRACT
If I have a trademark style, I suppose it’s about physicality, simplicity of communication both orally and physically. That’s very important.1
Steven Berkoff was born in Stepney, London and is still an energised actor, playwright and director. Berkoff trained as an actor at the Webber Douglas Academy in London and studied movement at the Ecole Internationale de Theatre de Jaques Lecoq in Paris. These two disciplines are key to his creative work. Berkoff eloquently records his life and creative journey as part of his published work, so I will not insult him by attempting a mini biography in this introduction. I would recommend that, as students, you at least read Diary of a Juvenile Delinquent,2 which is what it says on the tin. It is an informative insight into the young Jewish man growing up in the East End of London. It will definitely feed your understanding of the poetic violence and excitement found in some of his verse plays. In 1968, Berkoff formed the London Theatre Group and, like another influential actor/director, Laurence Olivier, proceeded to write, direct and perform with his own company as well as appearing in iconic films of the period. ‘Yeah, Annie, but he can’t still be alive?’ asked a student recently after he had enjoyed sweating as Gregor Samsa in Berkoff ’s adaptation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis. I think that the reason Berkoff is so relevant to young people today is the fact that he is still hungry for creativity. In 2011, he performed One Man, which included two of his one-man shows, Dog and The Tell Tale Heart,3 which he adapted from Edgar Allen Poe. It was just him on stage, and he is still the best example of his own actor-based theatre. Berkoff’s voice can also be heard in a major PlayStation 3 game4 and he often appears in current trending films. He was 74 in 2011 and is actively involved in current contemporary culture. So yes, Berkoff is still alive and well. Of course, there are new generations of artists exploring contemporary nonnaturalistic theatre. However, unlike any of the other practitioners in this book, you really can go and see his work first hand. Berkoff can be dismissed as the enfant terrible he relishes in playing, but you would be under estim - ating his vast knowledge. Berkoff ’s work is influenced by Greek theatre,
kabuki A classical Japanese dance drama with elaborate face make-up.
