Steven Berkoff To Perform in NZ

12 August 2008

British theatre legend Steven Berkoff is heading to Auckland and Wellington stages in October for a strictly limited season of his theatrical masterpiece One Man.

Andrew McKinnon presents Steven Berkoff in One Man at the Opera House, Wellington on 15 and 16 October, and at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGER, Auckland on 17 and 18 October as part of THE EDGER International Arts Season.

As one of the world's most acclaimed actors, writers and directors, Berkoff has electrified and mesmerised audiences around the globe with chilling productions including East, Salome and Coriolanus. He is also well known for his portrayal of evil characters in films including Octopussy, Beverly Hills Cop and Rambo.

In 2005, he stunned Auckland audiences with Shakespeare's Villains, but his 2008 season is the first time he has performed in Wellington.

"Funny, outrageous, obnoxious, crass yet seductive, Berkoff is a bundle of energy that could drive a locomotive up the wall" - New York Metro

One Man consists of two short plays - Tell Tale Heart and Dog.

Tell Tale Heart is an adaptation by Berkoff of the Edgar Allan Poe story. It is a gothic tale of horror, told by a man who stands alone in the spotlight, protesting sanity while he explains how he systematically went about killing and dismembering a neighbour whose "vulture eye" offended him!

Dog is a Berkoff original and describes an hilarious day in the life of a football hooligan and his pit bull terrier Roy. One minute Berkoff is the skinhead, and the next he is Roy as he reacts to his master's cruel but sometimes loving antics.

"To say this is a tour de force is to rob the phrase of all meaning. It is a unique theatrical experience." - The Daily Mail (London)

Steven Berkoff has been a dominant force in the British theatre scene as an actor, writer and director for 40 years and, even aged 71 he continues to make his mark. His latest production On The Waterfront is currently playing in the Edinburgh Festival and receiving rave reviews.

Don't miss the unique opportunity to see one of British theatre's greats in New Zealand. Steven Berkoff in One Man is at the Opera House, Wellington on 15 and 16 October, and at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGER, Auckland on 17 and 18 October as part of THE EDGER International Arts Season. Book at Ticketek on 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz

ENDS

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