A SOURCE of disquiet, a psychological make-up distorted by an event, a complex two-faced character playing an alternative game to the rest. Just like doctors enjoy dealing with sick people, Steven Berkoff is drawn to the role of the villain.
Shakespeare's Villains is Berkoff's one-man show that delves into the secret discourses of the most villainous characters, exploring their words with penetrating insight.
Known for playing villains in films like Octopussy, Beverley Hills Cop, Rambo and The Krays, the theme is significantly apt.
Holding the stage alone he counters Shakespeare's own words with his interpretation and analysis of characters such as Iago, Macbeth, and Shylock; characters that are intrinsically evil, those whose situation results in evil deeds and others at the mercy of an evil society.
The performance is Berkoff's equivalent to an exquisite and passionate solo aria.
"I had a desire to do a performance of Shakespeare and having always been envious of pianists and opera singers who perform alone, thought I'd like a one-man show, " he says.
"The soliloquies in Shakespeare give opportunities for an actor to summarise feelings and confess to the audience. The private moment, the aside, is a unique style that has gone out in the 20th Century."
Upon deciding to perform Shakespeare, Berkoff began choosing which sections to perform and found drawn to the darker characters.
Logically this became the theme and the format of the performance became an investigation of villains.
In between each piece Berkoff gives an improvised talk about the character.
"Each time I discuss the originator of sin, what provokes them, what motivates them," he said.
"Over time, I noticed the connections between all the villains. Now, the lecture has become as long as, or longer, than the soliloquy.
"When it began I would go on stage in terror not knowing what I was going to say. Now, I have ironed it out and it is fairly smooth.
However, it does change each time as the book or paper I have read, the conversation I have had, the mood I am in influences me.
"Improvising is much more of a challenge on your nerves and your mind. Something pops out that might not have popped out sat at a desk."
The independence and control of writing and performing alone are preferable to Berkoff.
"I enjoy being the judge of my own work. It can lead to obsessing but one learns to control this."
Although he describes film and stage acting as "incomparable" and each with their virtues, clearly the theatre is his passion. "Theatre has nourished me much more. Had I just done film I would have learned nothing. I would have in no way challenged or extended myself."
Shakespeare's Villains was first performed in 1998 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, in London, and will be staged at Worcester's Swan Theatre on Wednesday, November 19, at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £17.50 and are available by ringing 01905 611427.
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