(LENOX, Mass.) – Authors Jedediah Berry, Arda Collins, Ron Currie Jr., Paul La Farge, Courtney Maum, Sue Smith and Jenny Zigrino will take part in a Literary Death Match at The Mount: Edith Wharton’s Home, on Friday, April 24, at 8pm. Four of these authors will read original work before a panel of three all-star judges. Performances will be judged on literary merit, performance style, and intangible factors.

Since its creation in 2006, Literary Death Match has been performed over 1,000 times in over 50 cities across the globe. Each episode features a unique lineup of established poets, writers, and comedians reading their original work and is hosted by Literary Death Match co-creator Adrian Todd Zuniga.

Judges offer critique and select their favorite two writers to advance to the finals. The two finalists then compete in the Literary Death Match finale, which trades in the show’s literary sensibility for a comical climax to determine who takes home the Literary Death Match crown.

The LA Times has called this spectacle “The most entertaining reading series ever.” It may sound like a circus — and that’s half the point. Literary Death Match is passionate about exploring new and innovative ways to present text off the page, and the most fascinating part about the show is how seriously attentive the audience is during each reading.

The Mount first collaborated with Literary Death Match for Berkshires Ep. 1 as part of Berkshire WordFest in 2013, and Rural Intelligence called the evening one of the “most memorable parties of the year.”

“We welcomed a sold out crowd two years ago, and many people left with a new book or the name of a new author to explore,” said Susan Wissler, executive director of The Mount. “Literary Death Match reinforced the notion that literature and entertainment can and do co-exist.”

Doors open at 7:30 and the show begins at 8; tickets are $20 in advance and $22 at the door. A cash bar will be available. For tickets or more information, visit The Mount: Edith Wharton’s Home or call 413-551-5100.

The Mount is a National Historic Landmark and cultural center that celebrates the literary, artistic, and humanitarian legacy of Edith Wharton. Each year, The Mount is host to over 40,000 visitors. Daily tours of the property are offered May through October, with special events and programs throughout the year. Annual summer programming includes a joint exhibit with SculptureNow, Wharton on Wednesdays, Music After Hours, and the celebrated Monday Lecture Series. Exhibitions explore themes from Wharton’s life and work.