Steven Berkoff - Beginning

We started studying Steven Berkoff by firstly getting together a few quick tasks to help the group understand what Berkoff's performances were like - Snappy and effective. These tasks involved things like creating a piece of drama where you show your morning routine, only we were asked to over or under- exaggerate everything in the Berkoff style.

Steven Berkoffs works consisted of pieces involving minimalistic set designs and instead relying on the actors shear talent to produce a piece, mime is always used in his work and these mimes are often emphasised, creating a more interesting piece for the audience - so everything is pretty much (positively) taken completely over the top. Pace is also important and is emphasised more with a good voice control - similar to the work of Pinter- With this pace gestures are added making the vocals more interesting.
    The emphasis in Berkoffs work gives a comical effect often juxtaposing the inner story.

Steven Berkoff