Dr. Edward W. Hardy is a co-creator of THE WOODSMAN along with James Ortiz, and since its inception has performed in Strangemen Theatre Company's first annual aPlay &aParty, performances at Standard Toykraft, Ars Nova's ANT FEST, a 3-week sold-out run at 59E59 Theaters, and a 6-week sold-out run at 59E59 Theaters.

Based upon the forgotten writings of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz-- "The Woodsman" focuses on the story of Nick Chopper, a mortal, a woodsman who falls deeply in love with a young woman.  He professes his love and promises marriage.  Unbeknownst to him, this beautiful young woman is under the guardianship of a horrible sorceress---the Wicked Witch of the East.

The witch puts a powerful curse on the woodsman's axe. Shockingly, he finds himself losing himself piece by piece. Holding onto the memory of the love shared together with his betrothed, and determined not to be defeated, Nick is replaced part by part with a mechanical limb. Assuring his love, his heart is still true, until the day he is completely transformed into something, something else, A Tin Man.

Believing that love can no longer exist between he and his beloved, he releases his true love from the bondage of his circumstances.  They speak of him, The Tin Woodsman, left alone to rust in the forest, left alone without his heart.

Utilizing Bunraku puppetry, movement, and live accompaniment, "The Woodsman" delves deeper into the beloved character's history and offers a unique, heartbreaking, and adult perspective on this classic story.