Just days before Veterans Day, Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, a powerful one-act play that honors the service, sacrifice and unseen struggles of American combat veterans and their families, is coming to the Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts on November 8. Veterans, active-duty personnel and first responders receive special $10 ticket pricing for this performance.

Drawn from the longest war in American history, the War in Afghanistan, Last Out weaves together the emotional and spiritual journey of Green Beret Danny Patton. Performed by a small cast of combat veterans and military family members, the play spans Danny’s life from his youth, through his military career until his death in 2015. Taking place entirely in the afterlife, Last Out reflects on the costs of war — the visible, physical wounds and the hidden emotional scars that remain long after the battles are over. The production is a moving elegy for those lost in war and for those still fighting wars at home.

“Military personnel, first responders and families are a silent minority in most communities across the country, including in Central Kentucky, and many of us have relatives who serve,” said Norton Center Executive Director Steve Hoffman. “Through this powerful play and related activities, we can gain an understanding of the sacrifices that are made to protect us and our freedoms.”

Written by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Army Green Beret Scott Mann, Last Out seeks to bridge the gap between veterans and the communities in which they live. 

“Throughout history, societies have used storytelling to help warriors integrate back into society, and Last Out follows in that tradition,” said Mann. “The mission of this production is to validate the journey of our military veterans and their families while building genuine and well-informed understanding in the communities where they live.”

In addition to the performance, the Norton Center is offering two free public programs:

Building Bridges and Community Day Keynote Address featuring Scott Mann
Thursday, November 7, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm, Newlin Hall
Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Scott Mann will deliver a free keynote address exploring leadership, storytelling and the human behaviors that fuel meaningful change. Mann’s keynote will draw from his experience as a Green Beret and TEDx speaker to inspire audiences with practical tools for leading through difficult times.

Storytelling Workshop: The Generosity of Scars
Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Location TBD
This free workshop, led by mental health professionals and veteran storytelling coaches, is designed for veterans, military family members and first responders. The workshop helps participants turn their personal trauma into powerful, healing narratives. Pre-registration is required by Friday, November 8.

Veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders can purchase tickets for only $10 with the code THANKYOU10. For more information on Last Out and related events, or to purchase tickets, visit nortoncenter.com or call the Norton Center Box Office at 859-236-4692.

Please review this performance’s content advisory before purchasing.

This performance is sponsored by SouthArts, the National Endowment for the Arts and Centre College’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.