David Mamet's BITTER WHEAT to premiere in London with Malkovich

[The Distinctive Baritone]

http://www.playbill.com/article/john-malkovich-to-star-in-new-david-mamet-play-bitter-wheat

So...how do we feel about this? My preliminary thoughts:

What is a David Mamet play inspired by the Harvey Weinstein accusations going to look like? Mamet is known for being a hardcore conservative who has been accused of misogyny in many of his plays. In Oleanna, also written as a response to sexual misconduct accusations (in that case, those against Clarence Thomas), he clearly sides with the accused. Granted, that play premiered 27 years ago, but has he changed his tune?

Also, what the F is up with the title? I know he likes absurd titles, but come on.

[Mike Barrett]

I was really interested in this until you mentioned the playwright having a history of mischony and defending assaulters. Would be interesting if they try and turn this guy into a hero lol.

In all seriousness, I'd assume this will be quite a graphic play correct? Intrigued is where I'm at with this right now but nothing more.

[Kad]

This is probably the last writer I'd want to approach this- other than Neil LaBute, I suppose. 

I assume he'll delight in taking down what was once a major liberal figure. But who knows? Pretty much everything he's written in the last decade has been downright bad, produced only because he's Mamet.

The press release plot summary is bizarre and self-important. 

[Fordham2015]

Malkovich has been a bit snotty in interviews about this, and it's definitely a loaded subject. But that's Mamet's bread and butter- he literally wrote a play called Race.

As one of the only people who liked China Doll (it's no Glengarry, but also not the trainwreck it was made out to be) I'm cautiously optimistic about this piece. Wonder if there'll be a U.S production if British reviews are positive.

[devonian.t]

Let's hope Malkovich doesn't suffer the fate of Pacino.  I'm not persuaded Mamet is the best director of his writing.

[TotallyEffed]

I’m much more interested in the rumored revival of The Anarchist starring Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham.

[Niles Silvers]

I tired of listening to old white men ranting quite a few years ago. 

[zainmax]

Wonder why it's being done in the UK and not U.S?

[Alex Kulak2]

zainmax said: "Wonder why it's being done in the UK and not U.S?"

Glengarry Glen Ross originally debuted in the UK