Berkoff and Shakespeare at AK05

Steven Berkoff, one of cinema's most memorable villains, is coming to Auckland's AK05 festival. The 67-year-old will perform a one-man show, Shakespeare's Villains: A Masterclass In Evil.

The British actor's inclusion in the festival was announced last night at Auckland Museum, as chief executive David Malacari outlined the programme.

Berkoff, who has appeared in films such as A Clockwork Orange and Rambo, is also a prolific playwright and director.

He was prosecuted in 1979 for issuing a death threat against a critic who had attacked his production of Hamlet.

In 2001, he faced civil trial for rape, a charge that was eventually thrown out.

Shakespeare's Villains will be staged at the Bruce Mason Centre and the Civic in early March.