Antanas Škėma (born on 29 November 1910 in Lodz, Poland – died on 11 August 1961, near Chicago, USA) was a writer, playwright, actor, and film director. In the times of the Independent Lithuania, he studied medicine and law for some time, joined a drama studio, worked as an actor and film director. In 1949, he went to the USA to actively continue his theatrical and cultural activity. Acted in Chicago theatre and Boston Drama Group performances. In 1960–1961, worked for the editorial office of “Vienybė” newspaper. Lectured, wrote and printed articles on theatre and literature in various publications. In 1947 debuted with his collection “Nuodėguliai ir kibirkštys” (Firebrands and Sparks). Wrote plays. Probably the best-known novel by A. Škėma is “Balta drobulė” (White Shroud), first issued in 1958. The author died in a car crash near Chicago on his way back to from the meeting of Santara-Šviesa.