The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre will host its fourth annual Doomsday Readathon, a 24-hour marathon of Edgar Allan Poe's literary works, spanning May 17-18, 2025. What began as a local Baltimore event has transformed into an international celebration with participants from Brazil, Italy, Scotland, England, and multiple U.S. states.
The event, to be livestreamed from Poe's Magic Theatre in the Lord Baltimore Hotel, will feature readings by Maryland State Delegates, arts administrators, university theatre coordinators, and international theatre groups. Participating organizations include Vigor Mortis in Brazil, Grand Guignol de Milan in Italy, Poetic Justice Productions in Scotland, and Threedumb Theatre in London.
Founder Alex Zavistovski highlighted the event's growth, noting its evolution from eight readers in a basement to a global literary celebration. The readathon serves multiple purposes: raising awareness about Poe's literary contributions, promoting literacy, and generating funds for The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre's radio dramas and stage productions.
Baltimore holds significant historical significance in Poe's life, where he worked for three years and authored notable stories like "MS Found in a Bottle" and "Berenice." The city also holds personal connections, with Poe's wife born locally and his grandfather co-founding a historic church.
The event underscores the enduring cultural impact of Edgar Allan Poe, transforming a niche literary celebration into an international platform for artistic expression and literary appreciation.
