LEGENDARY Hollywood actor and theatre director Steven Berkoff opened the doors of a newly refurbished arts centre at Brunel University.
He was invited to officially open the Antonin Artaud Building for the School of Arts at Brunel University on Sunday.
The event also featured performances from students and staff who gathered to see the famous actor.
Berkoff, who has starred in films including Rambo, James Bond, Beverly Hills Cop, and The Krays, praised the new school and said he enjoyed the whole event and loved the modern musical performances.
Professor Steve Dixon, pro-vice-chancellor, said: "We are really proud of the School of Arts and it's wonderful that Steven Berkoff gave up his day off for the occasion."
The School of Arts, established in 2004, comprises Brunel's Drama, Music, English and Journalism Departments.
The new building has undergone a £3 million refurbishment to provide new studios, media facilities and a venue for public performances.
The building was named after Antonin Artaud, a leading French actor and director in the 1920s, whose visionary theories influenced generations of directors like Steven Berkoff.
Professor Steve Dixon, who worked with Berkoff as an actor 25 years ago, said: "If anyone embodies Artaud, it's Steven Berkoff.
"As a writer, director and actor, he is so influenced by Artauds work that there was only ever one person we wanted to ask to open the event."
Steven Berkoff added that universities like Brunel were heading in the right direction.
He said: "If you have a university studying people like Artaud, it is quite remarkable. It will encourage people like myself and is very valuable."
