The university's classics department is to hold a 12-hour back-to-back performance of Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey at All Saints Church Hall, starting at 10 a.m.
The idea was conceived by lecturer Dr Rebecca Sweetman, and has taken over a year to come to fruition.
The ambitious event aims to raise money for the Africa Educational Trust, a charity dedicated to restoring formal educational structures to children in areas torn apart by conflict, and Avert — a charity predominately concerned with the treatment of HIV and AIDs sufferers, and working towards prevention of infection.
Lucy James, in her fourth year studying ancient history and Latin, is one of the organisers behind the event and says it's through her work as branch head of Theatre Odyssey - a group that promotes Classics in schools in and around St Andrews - which has made education such an important issue to her. She believes it is a right that should be enjoyed by those in the Third World also.
The marathon performance is based on a child-friendly adaptation by Padraic Colum, entitled 'the Children's Homer.'
Lucy told the Citizen that, published in 1918, it is the most concise adaptation which could be found and, with lots of flowery language, it promises to be quite fun.
Asked how the performers were going to manage an epic 12 hours on stage, Lucy explained that they have broken it down into 10 sections.
Each section has its own director and five performers and lasts for just over an hour.
A 15-minute interlude between each section will feature songs by a-cappella group, the 'Accidentals,' and there will also be a raffle.
Asked if they were apprehensive about the event, Lucy said: ''I don't think that there's much in the way of nerves, it's going to be relaxed and impromptu.
''We're excited — it's going to be quite interactive and there are some fighting scenes, so it's quite an active performance.''
Performers will be in Greek costumes, and there will be highlights including a recital on a Greek instrument, similar to a mandarin, known as a bazuki.
The event is free although those who wish to attend are encouraged to join in the raffle. Performers have been given sponsorship forms.