I've always loved the Wizard of Oz & all its iterations that exist from books, films, & shows, but often wondered where were all of the people of color in Kansas, in Oz, in these stories of munchkins, witches, & magical creatures. That question along with the unrest during the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement & a question I've had since I was a child, led & inspired me to create The Scarecrow. That burning question was "How did he end up hanging there in that cornfield before Dorothy found him?" 

This original adaptation of an OZ story follows a newly appointed his Majesty the Scarecrow as he is tasked to save the citizens of Winkie country from an ever-increasing horde of crows. The narrative follows his journey back down the yellow brick road to discover his life before becoming a scarecrow & the lynching of an African American man that ended that life. Joined by new companions; the Wogglebug, Sawhorse, the Patchwork girl & a perpetually puckish crow, his journey leads to discoveries & connections between Oz & Jim Crow era in Kansas/ U.S. in the 1900’s, a young civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, & a young anti-lynching activist Stepney Fisher.

Through its innovative use of puppetry, powerful storytelling, & culturally relevant music, The Scarecrow aims to captivate audiences, provoke thought, & inspire change. 

We were blessed to world premiere in NYC at the 2024 La Mama Puppet Festival & now we are excited & honored for The Scarecrow to perform as a part the 2025 Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, the largest puppet festival in North America!

I am Anthony Michael Stokes the Founder of Kessto Kreatures & creator & puppetry artist of The Scarecrow. As a multidisciplinary artist & educator, what fuels me is finding a clear perspective & cause to tell stories that will inspire, educate & allow for self-reflection. That's why our ongoing mission is to present/perform live stage theatrical productions designed to enlighten, empower & entertain using puppetry, music, & theatre to connect everything together. I love packaging stories so audiences are thoroughly entertained & when they least expect it, are hit with a deep moment that can change their entire perspective. Help us tell the story & be part of the magic!

We also hope to challenge what has existed by purposefully showcasing a diverse co. of artists of color on & off stage, showing that we exist in our own unique powerful ways, because representation matters.