A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Woodsman

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 4m, 1girl(s)

Steven Fechter

" The Woodsman is an interesting, valuable and insightful play... – The Stage
"I loved this clear-sighted, balanced, non-judgmental, no-frills, linear
story... It's seriously thought-provoking, and all the more gripping
for its restraint." – British Theatre Guide

The Woodsman

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 4m, 1girl(s)
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • Suggested Use
    • Monologues
    • Scene work
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
Walter is a quiet man who must lead a quiet life. As a convicted sex offender fresh out of state prison, he sees no choice. He works in a warehouse. He lives alone. He sees a therapist named Rosen. His only visitor is his brother-in-law Carlos. He also gets visits from a demon in the form of a beautiful Girl. Often brooding by his window, Walter watches children as they head for school. One day Nikki, a tough-talking woman from work, drops by. She doesn't waste time making the first move. Next morning Walter confesses his dark past. But Nikki doesn't run away. Things are looking up – until Walter follows a twelve-year-old girl named Robin into a city park. Nothing happens, but Walter is scared. Then police Sgt. Lucas pays Walter a visit applying some rough intimidation. Walter disappears. A panicky Nikki asks Rosen to help her find him. Walter is back at the park, waiting. When Robin arrives Walter is gently seductive. But the seduction is aborted when Robin reveals a shocking secret. Forced to confront his past, Walter finds the compassion to help and not hurt. In doing so, he grabs a chance for redemption.
History
The Woodsman was first produced by The Actors Studio Free Theater at Raw Space, New York City, opening on March 1, 2000. It was directed by Sharon Fallon.
Performing Groups
WALTER - early 40s
GIRL - 12
ROSEN - early 30s
CARLOS - late 30s
NIKKI - early 30s
LUCAS - 40s
ROBIN - 11

GIRL and ROBIN should be played by the same actor.

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Setting Walter's apartment, Rosen's office, a park
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Intense Adult Themes
    • Strong Language

Media

"An interesting, valuable and insightful play" – The Stage, London

"I loved this clear-sighted, balanced, non-judgmental, no-frills, linear story... It's seriously thought-provoking, and all the more gripping for its restraint." – British Theatre Guide

"A clear-eyed yet disturbing quality permeates The Woodsman, and attendees who abandon their preconceptions may find it hard to shake off." - Backstage West

"The Woodsman is an unsettling play, but one that deals with important and thought-provoking issues of rehabilitation and forgiveness." - Cherry and Spoon

"The Woodsman is about a monster. Steven Fechter's play centers on a man, Walter, who has returned after spending 12 years in prison after molesting a string of 10- to 12-year-old girls... All of this heaviness could be unbearable, but Fechter's script offers such a fascinating character that we can't turn away." - Minneapolis City Pages

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

Scripts

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Authors

Steven Fechter

Steven Fechter
Steven Fechter is a playwright and screenwriter. As a screenwriter he co-wrote the script for The Woodsman, based on his play published by Samuel French. As a playwright his work has been produced throughout North America and Europe. In 2011 Resonance Ensemble produced his co ...
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