Poe Theatre Brings Dickensian Twist to Edgar Allan Poe's Life in New Production

In a unique blend of literary traditions, The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre is set to present a staged reading of 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe' on December 21 and 22, 2024, at the Fells Point Corner Theatre in Baltimore. This innovative production reimagines Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale, applying its narrative structure to explore the life of America's master of horror and suspense, Edgar Allan Poe.

The script, penned by Zac Pensol in collaboration with The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre, focuses on Poe's life leading up to the death of his wife, Virginia Clemm Poe, at the age of 27. This creative approach offers a fresh perspective on Poe's personal history, particularly significant given that Poe first met Virginia Clemm in Baltimore, the city where the reading will take place.

Alex Zavistovich, Artistic Director of Poe Theatre, emphasized the importance of audience participation in this workshop phase, stating, 'This reading will be a workshop for a full production of the show in 2025, so audience critical reaction is appreciated.' The staged reading serves as a crucial step towards the full production planned for December 2025 at Baltimore's historic Zion Lutheran Church.

The production brings together a talented creative team, including director Mark Kamie, who previously collaborated with Zavistovich on a Helen Hayes Awards-recommended production of 'Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe' in Washington, DC. Adding to the atmospheric quality of the piece, James D. Watson, a longtime collaborator on Poe Theatre's radio shows, will provide original composition and sound design.

This production represents a significant development in the portrayal of Edgar Allan Poe's life and work. By merging the narrative structure of Dickens' beloved Christmas story with Poe's biography, the play offers a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of Poe's character and experiences. It has the potential to provide new insights into the factors that shaped Poe's literary output and personal life, possibly shedding light on the origins of his dark, atmospheric style.

The choice to focus on the period leading up to Virginia Clemm Poe's death is particularly poignant, as this event had a profound impact on Poe's life and work. By examining this crucial period through the lens of Dickens' redemptive tale, the production may offer a new understanding of Poe's emotional journey and its influence on his writing.

Furthermore, this production underscores the ongoing relevance and adaptability of both Poe's and Dickens' works. It demonstrates how classic literature can be reimagined to create new, compelling narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining the essence of the original works.

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre's commitment to adapting Poe's works across various media, including stage, radio, and educational programs, highlights the enduring appeal of Poe's literary legacy. Their 'Poe Theatre on the Air' series, which has garnered awards and is broadcast on multiple platforms including NPR and Amazon Music, further exemplifies the versatility and continued relevance of Poe's stories in modern media landscapes.

As the only company in the world dedicated to adapting Poe's works in multiple formats, The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre plays a crucial role in keeping Poe's legacy alive and introducing his works to new generations. This latest production, 'A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe,' represents an innovative approach to literary adaptation that could inspire similar creative reinterpretations of classic works.

The staged reading in December 2024 and the subsequent full production in 2025 promise to be significant events for literature enthusiasts, theatre-goers, and Poe aficionados alike. They offer a unique opportunity to experience a creative fusion of two literary giants, potentially providing new perspectives on both Poe's life and the enduring power of Dickens' narrative structure.