Few playwrights have created such a large body of masterpieces as has William Shakespeare. He is equally masterful with heart-wrenching tragedy as he is with sharp comedy. Every play contains a memorable moment or character, and every play is a linguistic tour de force. So, to play Shakespeare you need an actor who is not only versatile but also determined. And Steven Berkoff is just the man.

Born and bred in London, Steven Berkoff has acted on stage as well as on screen. He has worked with the late director Stanley Kubrick, and has also directed productions of Coriolanus and Salome. It was this experience of directing Shakespeare, as well as witnessing the one-man Shakespeare pieces of John Gielgud and Ian McKellen, that inspired him to work on Shakespeare’s Villains. It is an exploration of six of the bard’s most famous “baddies”; an analysis of their actions and motives. These range from the schemings of Iago, to the bitter resentment of Shylock.

Shakespeare’s Villains will be on at the Manoel Theatre from Friday to Sunday. This production is a collaboration between the Manoel Theatre and the British Council. All performances start at 7.30pm, and tickets, which start from Lm4.50, can be purchased from the Manoel Theatre’s booking office. To contact the booking office, call 2122-2618 or email: [email protected]. Alternatively, you can book online by visiting www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.