Scarlett Antonia knows how to keep on creating, regardless of personal circumstance. Despite a recent bout of illness and change in her home address, two very stressful factors for most, Antonia is busier than ever working with local talent and producing work.
“That is one thing I have absolutely decided after my last chain of health and physical events is that I must, and I will keep on creating until I leave this earth and maybe after if creating is still possible.” Says Antonia.
Antonia has led a life of performing and creating for many years. Growing up she was a professional dancer and she equates the dance studio to her true home and place of refuge throughout her entire life. Actually, “Home” is the major theme Antonia is currently creating around. Despite the challenges that Covid has presented us, Antonia is creating Virtual performances centered around the theme of finding home and having hope in doing so. Virtual work is a new way of thinking and being, and Antonia is working on these new ways of production. It is her love for theater arts that keeps her ticking, moving, working with others, and producing. Recently, Antonia has received a grant from Arts Westchester (before the pandemic hit) to develop a new dance musical based on the Wizard of Oz.
The Wizard of Oz theme of “There’s no Place Like Home” holds tremendous meaning for Scarlett Antonia and for many of us. Actually, Frank Baum, author of “The Wizard of Oz” attended military academy here in Peekskill. The Wizard of Oz play was performed at the Colonial Theater in Peekskill in 1905, and Scarlett Antonia put the production on through her company, Antonia Arts, in January of 2015.
“Historically, The Wizard of Oz is important to Peekskill”, says Antonia.
Antonia has many new goals as we close out the year of 2020. She is developing a new show which will currently be in preview with songs and monologues about home and finding hope. It will be a virtual performance with a myriad of talented actors and singers. Eventually Antonia plans to turn these vignettes into a full-blown, large scale production.
“Keeping it simple now given the circumstances with Covid, I hope you will be able to join us on this virtual journey to find Oz and our true home.” Says Antonia, with that ever-present twinkle in her eye.
“I so believe as Shakespeare said that life is theater and theater is a manifestation of life. We need to enjoy the show as we go on our journey to find home and how we all are similar but so special and one of a kind unique.” Says Antonia.
Antonia adds, “Believing in the future, staying positive, and keeping hope alive. That’s what the show is about.”
Scarlett Antonia has had the fortitude to keep going and creating despite her recent adversities.
“Once you find home, you feel solid, you feel secure, and loved. And you can have the hope for the future that somehow or other things will work out.”, says Antonia.
Some dates to keep in mind: Antonia will be showing a virtual film on October 5th. On October 11th she’ll be holding a musical performance on Division Street in Peekskill.
For more information, please go to AntoniaArts.Org.