British actor, director and playwright Steven Berkoff returns to New Zealand to perform One Man, consisting of two short plays Tell Tale Heart and Dog.

In this week's TBI Q&A, Berkoff warns against mediocrity and says he hopes theatre continues to shock and thrill with a new generation of passionate innovators.

"If theatre does not provoke then what is the point. Theatre should drive audiences to a reaction and cause them to FEEL something in their gut."

One Man is at Opera House in Wellington on October 15-16 and Aotea Centre in Auckland on October 17-18.British actor, director and playwright Steven Berkoff returns to New Zealand to perform One Man, consisting of two short plays Tell Tale Heart and Dog.

In this week's TBI Q&A, Berkoff warns against mediocrity and says he hopes theatre continues to shock and thrill with a new generation of passionate innovators.

"If theatre does not provoke then what is the point. Theatre should drive audiences to a reaction and cause them to FEEL something in their gut."

One Man is at Opera House in Wellington on October 15-16 and Aotea Centre in Auckland on October 17-18.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
I like to write in the afternoon, particularly at coffee shops. I guess you could say the evening as well because I am on stage and at my best.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Being on stage every night.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Details! If you read my book "I am Hamlet" you will see that I break down the play line by line. It is all in the details.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Always be prepared to stand up for your own work and also, if you have nothing then you have nothing to lose.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Well there are so many, at the moment On the Waterfront is giving me great satisfaction. Also, I should be satisfied with East because it is probably the most produced of my works.

Please describe the two plays in the solo show One Man - Tell Tale Heart and Dog.
Based on the short story by legendary gothic author Edgar Allan Poe, Tell Tale Heart is a tale of horror told by a man who stands on his own in the spotlight protesting his sanity while he explains how he systematically killed and dismembered a neighbor whose "vulture eye" offended him. Dog tells the story of an hilarious day in the life of a football hooligan and his pit bull terrier Roy - I play both parts - one minute an anti-authoritarian skinhead, the next minute the lovingly faithful Roy.

What are the challenges and rewards of doing a solo show?
The challenges are that you are all alone on stage and it can get lonely up there. The rewards are that you get to have the entire ovation all to yourself.

You have said theatre must provoke, why is this important?
If theatre does not provoke then what is the point. Theatre should drive audiences to a reaction and cause them to FEEL something in their gut.

What are your observations of the New Zealand theatre industry?
Well, I haven't been there too often, however, I know that my plays are performed quite regularly so you must have great taste.

What are your hopes and passions for the future of theatre?
I hope that theatre continues to shock and thrill and that there are a new generation of passionate innovators.

What challenges does the industry face?
Mediocrity, that is the greatest threat to the industry as a whole.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Well before I was an actor I worked as selling clothes. Perhaps I would still be doing that.

What place is always with you, wherever you go? My home. It is a lovely warehouse conversion overlooking the Thames.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
I like to listen to classical music before each show. It calms me down and helps to get me prepped.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A play of course.

What's great about today?
It is a beautiful day outside, the sky is blue and the air is fresh. What more could you want.

What's your big idea for 2009?
Well I am going to take my production of On the Waterfront to the West End so that is probably the biggest idea.

Steven Berkoff in One Man

Opera House, Wellington October 15 and 16
ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, THE EDGE ®, Auckland October 17 and 18 as part of THE EDGE ® International Arts Season.
Book at Ticketek on 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz

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British Theatre Legend Steven Berkoff

14/10/08