Global 24-Hour Poe Readathon to Support Literary Legacy and Theatre Productions

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre will host its fourth annual Doomsday event, a nonstop 24-hour livestreamed reading of Edgar Allan Poe's works, on May 17-18, 2025. This celebration spans multiple continents, bringing together theater groups, artists, and Poe enthusiasts from Brazil, Italy, Scotland, England, and the United States. Hosted at Poe's Magic Theatre in the Lord Baltimore Hotel, the event features readings by Maryland State Delegates Luke Clippinger and Mark Edelson, Louis Joseph from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, and Janice Short from Morgan State University. International participants include theater groups such as Vigor Mortis in Brazil, Grand Guignol de Milan in Italy, Poetic Justice Productions in Scotland, and Threedumb Theatre in England.

The readathon serves multiple purposes beyond entertainment. It aims to raise funds for the National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre's award-winning radio dramas and stage productions through a dedicated donation platform at https://www.nationalpoetheatre.org/donate. Additionally, the event seeks to emphasize the importance of literacy and celebrate Poe's literary legacy. Vince Wilson, owner of Poe's Magic Theatre and event sponsor, highlighted the unique nature of the celebration. Founder and Artistic Director Alex Zavistovski noted the event's remarkable growth from eight readers in a basement to a global phenomenon, with Poe's works now translated into multiple languages.

The event underscores Poe's significant historical connection to Baltimore. During his three-year residency in the city, he authored notable works like "MS Found in a Bottle" and "Berenice." His wife Virginia was born in Baltimore, and his grandfather was a co-founder of the city's historic First and Franklin Church. Poe's final resting place is at Westminster Hall in Baltimore. The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre remains the world's only company dedicated to adapting Poe's works across stage, radio, and educational platforms. Throughout the pandemic, they continued producing monthly radio drama adaptations, which are now distributed on platforms including Amazon Music and National Public Radio at https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510357/poe-theatre-on-the-air.

This global event demonstrates the enduring relevance of Poe's literature and the theatre's commitment to preserving his legacy through innovative adaptations. By connecting international communities through shared literary appreciation, the Doomsday readathon reinforces the universal appeal of Poe's themes while supporting the artistic infrastructure that keeps his work accessible to contemporary audiences. The fundraising component ensures the continuation of quality productions that introduce new generations to Poe's influential body of work.