Global Poe Readathon to Support Theatre and Literacy Initiatives

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre will host its fourth annual Doomsday event, a continuous 24-hour livestreamed reading of Edgar Allan Poe's works, on May 17-18, 2025. This international celebration will connect theater groups, artists, and enthusiasts across 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 Vigor Mortis in Brazil, Grand Guignol de Milan in Italy, Poetic Justice Productions in Scotland, and Threedumb Theatre in England.

Beyond entertainment, the readathon serves crucial purposes. 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 available at https://www.poetheatre.org/donate. The event also seeks to emphasize literacy importance and celebrate Poe's enduring literary legacy. Vince Wilson, owner of Poe's Magic Theatre and event sponsor, highlighted the celebration's unique nature. 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 co-founded 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, now distributed on platforms including Amazon Music and National Public Radio.

This global event demonstrates how literary traditions can bridge cultural divides while supporting artistic institutions. The readathon's expansion reflects growing international appreciation for Poe's works and the theatre's innovative approach to preservation. By combining fundraising with cultural celebration, the event ensures continued production of Poe adaptations while promoting literacy worldwide. The theatre's adaptations are accessible through various platforms, maintaining Poe's relevance in contemporary media landscapes.