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The Woodsman

Published Wednesday 15 April 2009 at 16:10 by Paul Vale

A convicted child molester is released into society after 12 years in prison. As he struggles to rehabilitate, he is plagued by the possible consequences of his own weakness. Steven Fechter’s haunting play introduces an audience to what is possibly the last taboo in theatre. Our hero, Walter, has committed the most heinous of crimes and yet Fechter’s script gives the character room to grow and even the most hard-hearted audience member can find empathy in his struggle. Director Stuart Watson has a firm hand on the direction of the play and ensures that the pace never falters and the tension continues to build.

The casting here is excellent and save for a few ambiguous accents, the atmosphere achieved in the tiny theatre is superb - no little thanks to Ben Sandford’s clever yet unobtrusive design. Richard Ings plays the tortured Walter, effortlessly drifting between the concept of victim and monster. There is so much history behind this character and Ings is a master of subtlety, hinting at a past brimming with pain and remorse. Dominic Coddington, upon occasion, offers comic relief as the bored psychiatrist and Lisa Came gives sterling support as the understanding girlfriend, Nikki. Mark Philip Compton adds a human perspective as Carlos, the only relative still in contact with the protagonist and John Samuel Worsey adds a mixture of fear and perhaps unintentional amusement as an over the top police officer.

The Woodsman is an interesting, valuable and insightful play, given its European premiere here with a fine cast and strong production values.

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