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John Malkovich to play Harvey Weinstein-inspired Hollywood producer in new play Bitter Wheat

'It might upset people. But what can I do about that?'

Jack Shepherd
Tuesday 29 January 2019 15:00 GMT
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John Malkovich will return to London’s West End after 30 years away.

The acclaimed actor, who was seen in the BBC’s adaptation of The ABC Murders, will play a Harvey Weinstein-type Hollywood producer in Bitter Wheat, a new play Pulitzer prize winning playwright David Mamet.

Doon Mackichan, the British comedy actor best known for Smack the Pony, will also feature in the production, playing Malkovich’s character’s assistant. Rounding off the cast so-far announced is newcomer Ioanna Kimbook.

Speaking to BBC News, Malkovich said the play is “a black farce about a very badly behaved media mogul”, adding that Weinstein was the “starting point” for the play.

“Of course, it might upset people who’ve experienced the kind of treatment that the play contains and shows and describes,” the actor added.

“A lot of people may not like it. But what can I do about that? Personally I think it’s a terrific piece of writing.”

Playwright Mamet’s previous work includes Sexual Perversity in Chicago, American Buffalo, Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow.

Bitter Wheat will run at the Garrick Theatre from Friday 7 June until Saturday 21 September 2019.

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