"Do Not Underestimate Veterans, Ever!" -Rehabbing Vets Build a Stunning Outdoor Theater, and Are Surprised by Actor Tom Hanks

Will Maule : Jun 15, 2018
Faithwire.com

"The transition from military to civilian was kinda rough for me," another military man, an Iraq war vet, added. "Shakespeare arts center was probably the best decision I've made in the last couple of years" ... Another incredible aspect of the program is that many of the veterans are being offered full-time employment as a result of their hard work.

[Faithwire.com] Tom Hanks is starring in a very special edition of "Henry IV" by legendary English playwright, William Shakespeare. The stage on which the production is being performed has been built by US military veterans who are going through rehab after suffering from mental health issues since returning home from war. (Screengrab: Tom Hanks talks with the Veterans who constructed the outdoor stage/via Facebook video)

The production, presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, is running from [now] - July 1 in partnership with the organization, "Veterans in the Arts."

"Guys and women who have served our country and are transitioning into whatever that next phase of their lives are, wouldn't it be great if some of them went into this very line of work, the same one I'm in," Hanks said in a video posted by The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA). The team of war vets not only fashioned the entire theatre out of nothing, but they will also act as stage crew for the entire show—organizing costumes, handling audiovisual and ensuring that everything runs smoothly... (Screengrab: the stage/via Facebook video)

Continue reading and watch the video here.