Featured photo courtesy of Adriana Iris Boatwright
Of course, it’s the people that make Savannah what it is – the great, talented, selfless and indescribable. Unfortunately, they are not with us forever. This new column is meant to highlight those who have passed.
By Eric Curl
April 14, 2025 – Savannah recently lost “an amazing human,” according to StellaRanae Von Schmid and many others, with the passing of Anitra “Opera Diva” Warren.
Warren was a radiant force whose life defied convention, according to those who knew her. Born in 1953, the Juilliard-trained prima ballerina and third-generation opera talent captivated audiences and friends alike with her artistry and exuberance. Also recognized as a “club kid” who traveled the world and cultural trendsetter from New York to South Beach to Savannah, she mesmerized at unforgettable parties, wore black lipstick, and carried herself with mystery and mischief. Friends described her as “beautiful chaos,” “defiantly original,” and “a gift to Savannah.”
“The world feels quieter without her wild light,” said Savannah Photographer Adriana Iris Boatwright.
RELATED: ‘A Fairy Tale Figure Come To Life’ Louis Clausi Reflects on the Late Anitra ‘Opera Diva’
In your words
Shelley Smith
Oh Anitra Warren , Anitra Opera Diva, thank you for making so many of my crazy events all the crazier! Art events, Halloween parties, pop up parties, gatherings at the cemetery…. Many don’t know how far back you have been creating THE scene for many a club back in the day from New York to Miami. What a helluva party you and Nicodemus Hammil must be throwing! Cue up the DJ… pour the gin on the rocks and get that post life dance party started…
The best way to describe what she does, Warren said in 2009, is “It’s an experience. Last time I performed, people went ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this is happening here in Savannah,” as reported in Connect Savannah by Bill DeYoung.
Anitra “Opera Diva” Warren seen in this video performing (Videos courtesy of Danny Deverewuz and StellaRanae Von Schmid).
Ben Clayton
“Goodnight to my dear sweet friend Anitra. You were a blessing of beautiful chaos upon the world. You were a ground-ballerina and your amazing ability in opera was ethereal. Your personality was explosive color. You were a Club Kid. You traveled the world. You created big parties in South Beach. You were the girl who walked the railroad tracks. You were a great friend, and I will miss you.”
Jamie Smith Arkins
“There will never been another human who even comes remotely close to being as unique as Anitra Warren. She was radiant, quirky, talented, and kind … She was truly a gift to Savannah.”
Adriana Iris Boatwright
“Anitra has passed, and though years had stretched between us, her spirit never faded from my mind. She was mysterious, radiant, and defiantly original—ageless in every sense. The world feels quieter without her wild light.”
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