Global Celebration of Edgar Allan Poe Continues to Expand with Fourth Annual Doomsday Readathon

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre will host its fourth annual Doomsday Readathon, a 24-hour nonstop marathon of Edgar Allan Poe's literary works, on May 17-18, 2025. This year's event marks a significant expansion of the celebration, with coordinated readings spanning multiple countries including Brazil, Italy, Scotland, England, and several U.S. states.

The livestreamed event, taking place at Poe's Magic Theatre in Baltimore's Lord Baltimore Hotel, represents a growing international appreciation for the renowned author's literary contributions. Participating theater groups include Vigor Mortis in Brazil, Grand Guignol de Milan in Italy, Poetic Justice Productions in Scotland, and Threedumb Theatre in England, demonstrating the global reach of Poe's narrative influence.

Local Maryland politicians and arts professionals, including State Delegates Luke Clippinger and Mark Edelson, will join artists and Poe enthusiasts in reading the author's works. The event aims to raise funds for The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre's award-winning radio dramas and stage productions while promoting literacy and artistic appreciation.

Founded by Artistic Director Alex Zavistovski, the readathon has grown from a small basement gathering to an international cultural phenomenon. The event not only celebrates Poe's literary legacy but also highlights his deep connections to Baltimore, where he worked for three years and authored notable stories like "MS Found in a Bottle" and "Berenice".

By transforming a literary marathon into a global celebration, the Doomsday Readathon continues to introduce new audiences to Poe's significant contributions to literature, horror, and suspense. The free livestream ensures that anyone worldwide can participate in this unique cultural event, bridging geographical and generational divides through a shared appreciation of classic literature.