Keira Knightley Ready For Gay Role; Rosie O'Donnell Might Play Her Lover

Keira Knightley is set to play the role of a suspected lesbian in a

reworking of Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour, the New York Post

reported.

The play, written in 1934, tells the story of two female teachers

at a girl's boarding school whose lives are ruined when one of

their students accuses the pair of engaging in a lesbian relationship.

The Children's Hour will debut in London's West End next year and

possibly move on to Broadway next winter.

Rosie O'Donnell, who is openly gay, might play the part of Knightley's

suspected lesbian lover, the Post is reporting.

The 25-year-old, English-born Knightley is best known for starring

opposite Johnny Depp in the blockbuster movie franchise the Pirates

of the Caribbean.

Ian Rickson, whose Broadway revival of The Seagull earned him great

critical praise, will direct the play.

After being banned in Boston, The Children's Hour debuted on Broadway

in 1936. A film adaptation of the play starring Shirley MacLaine

and Audrey Hepburn was released in 1961.

Adamfoxie blog Int.