The 'Being John Malkovich' actor has been tapped to star in a new West End play entitled 'Bitter Wheat', which is inspired by Weinstein's sexual abuse scandal.

• Jan 30, 2019

AceShowbiz - John Malkovich is to star in a new West End play inspired by the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

The producer fell from grace in October 2017 when he was accused of sexual abuse by a number of women, prompting more than 80 others to come forward with their own allegations about him - some of which sparked criminal investigations.

The scandal inspired playwright David Mamet to write a new play entitled "Bitter Wheat", which he described as "a black farce about a very badly behaved media mogul," and it has now been announced that John Malkovich will star in it as depraved Hollywood producer Barney Fein.

The Being John Malkovich actor admitted to BBC News that the play, which will also be directed by Mamet, might upset some people.

"Of course it might upset people who've experienced the kind of treatment that the play contains and shows and describes... A lot of people may not like it," he said. "But what can I do about that? Personally I think it's a terrific piece of writing."

"A lot of people will laugh... A lot of comedy for me exists at the crossroads between pain and farce. In the end that's what theatre is for. A lot of great plays, done well, elicit the question do I laugh or do I cry?"

The play will also star British actress Doon Mackichan, best known for comedies Smack the "Pony and Plebs". Other casting announcements are yet to be made, although Malkovich said one of Weinstein's accusers asked to read the play with a view to appear in it, but she later decided not to.

"Bitter Wheat" will have its world premiere at London's Garrick Theatre in June and run until September.

Meanwhile, Weinstein, who pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault last year, is scheduled to stand trial over the charges in May.

On Monday, Jannuary 28, Manhattan Federal Court Judge Paul Engelmayer declined Weinstein's motion to dismiss allegations brought by "Marco Polo" producer Alexandra Canosa in a civil lawsuit last year. Canosa has accused Weinstein of multiple incidents of sexual assault between 2010 and 2015.

Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex.