Introduction: Elements of A Berkoff Production

• Large exaggerated mime and juxtaposition.
• The replacement of props and furniture with what can be created by the actor's bodies.
• Almost hieratic leading characters, takingthe audience through the narrative.
• The link with the idea of 'Total Theatre' which seeks to attract an almost spiritual response from the audience through using all of the resources of theatre including actors.
• Emphasis of thector as the most important and creative aspect of the performance.
• Emphasis on physical theatre and mime.
• Scenery is significant by absence. Both actor and audience are made aware of acting space and of the creativity of the performance. Berkoff's style relies heavily upon the actor's skills and mime. It also relies on the audience's ability to recognise and understand the signs in order to create a world on the stage.
• Berkoff's character's should establish themsleves as story tellers through the actor's words, spacial positioning physical attitude in relation to the audience.
• Performances are orchestrated, the way in which words are spoken, facial expressions and phyxial movements are all choreographed to inform each other.
• An actor can be visually a lone figure on stage, but can also take on different purposes.