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The Scarecrow

Help us tell this evoking story of transformative power of imagination history & the human spirit

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About

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?" 

Making "His" - Story

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.
All production photos credit ~ Richard Termine

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!
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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.
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Learn More: https://www.anthonymichaelstokes.com