Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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
Comments
(Rex)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in