The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre will host its fourth annual Doomsday readathon, a 24-hour nonstop livestreamed event celebrating the works of Edgar Allan Poe on May 17-18, 2025. The marathon will feature readings from multiple countries, including Brazil, Italy, Scotland, England, and the United States, marking a significant expansion of the literary event.
Located at Poe's Magic Theatre in the Lord Baltimore Hotel, the event will showcase readings by Maryland State Delegates, arts administrators, university theatre coordinators, and international theatre groups. Participants include Vigor Mortis from Brazil, Grand Guignol de Milan from Italy, Poetic Justice Productions from Scotland, and Threedumb Theatre from England.
The readathon serves multiple purposes beyond entertainment, including raising funds for the Poe Theatre's award-winning radio dramas and stage productions. By engaging international participants, the event underscores Poe's enduring global literary influence and highlights Baltimore's significant connection to the renowned author.
Poe's deep roots in Baltimore are emphasized through his three-year residency, during which he authored notable works like "MS Found in a Bottle" and "Berenice." The city holds personal significance, with his wife born locally and his grandfather a co-founder of a historic church.
The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre, the only company globally dedicated to adapting Poe's works across multiple platforms, continues to innovate in presenting the author's legacy. The Doomsday readathon represents a creative approach to promoting literacy and literary appreciation across diverse cultural boundaries.
