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9 answers

The superstition came about because of the many bad things that happened during the first production [actors hurt, globe theater burned to the ground] which many attribute to the "spells" cast by the 3 witches.

Thus to even talk of the play can summon bad luck. If the word Macbeth is uttered a lot of theatre folk require the offender to go outside spin around 3 times [or walk 3 times around the theatre] spit on the ground and then knock and ask to be allowed back in.

Actors have other superstitions, we wish each other break legs instead of good luck. Because to ask for something possitve is to invite bad things to happen.
Many actors feel more comfortable performing if they are wearing a lucky talisman on or under their costume.
My personal ritual to ensure a good performance. Always bring a box of chocolates to share with cast & crew opening night. And I must wear my drama/comedy rhinestone pin to the theatre.

2007-01-19 14:38:47 · answer #1 · answered by ajtheactress 7 · 3 0

This is the real answer, which I learned touring the repertory theatres in England. In Victorian times, Macbeth was the most popular of Shakespeare's plays. It was a pot-boiler, a play you trundled out when the ticket sales were slumping. It became bad luck to quote from the play, or even say it's name because the actors in the flop would know they were about to be replaced and might quit or sabotage things.

2007-01-19 16:20:47 · answer #2 · answered by Trader S 3 · 1 0

"Macbeth" is one among those darkish and sinful play, and actors (which contain me) have a tendency to be particularly supersticious. a prior answer with regards to a hearth is real and in all probability made this way extra huge-unfold, however the supersticion in all probability existed long earlier then. whilst interior a theatre, the play might desire to be stated as "The Scottish Play" and can purely be named by actors interior the direction of the play's talk. it may, notwithstanding if, be freely named exterior the overall performance - purely while pronounced contained in the partitions of a theatre will it deliver undesirable success. you additionally can discover it relaxing that it is likewise undesirable success to assert "sturdy success" to an actor - somewhat you could desire to tell him "to interrupt a leg". it is for sure taken lots much less heavily interior the twenty-first century, yet supersticion remains rife between actors - even trainees like me.... And by ways, not something to do with Lincoln - "Macbeth" is a British play first carried out c.1601.

2016-10-07 10:29:34 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

Actors are very superstitious. Because fo the nature of the play Macbeth, if you say it onstage, your production will henceforth be cursed---things will go wrong, people will get hurt, someone will die, etc. etc. etc.
I think it has something to do with Banquo's ghost...
It's akin to saying "break a leg" instead of "good luck" to an actor.

2007-01-19 18:08:59 · answer #4 · answered by red 3 · 0 0

It all started when one of Shakespeare's competitors was upset about the play itself.
He was known about the village as quite a swordsman and anyone who was overheard mentioning the name of this play was run through with a sword.
Eventually the word got out and people began to realize it was very bad luck to mention the name of this play.

2007-01-19 14:23:01 · answer #5 · answered by Lt. Dan reborn 5 · 1 2

It is rumored that the incantations the witches speak are real and the play is cursed. Also numerous incidents where performers and crew have been injured and killed are documented.

You refer to it as "The Scottish Play"

2007-01-19 15:09:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Who told you that? I think all British people are superstitious to the point of being ridiculous. Listen to the way they speak!

2007-01-19 14:26:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 2

Yes, spit between your fingers to reverse it. Its horrible luck!!!!

2007-01-19 14:34:01 · answer #8 · answered by Caroline O 3 · 1 0

it was a famous ballet thet the lead dancer died after every showing

2007-01-19 14:22:32 · answer #9 · answered by meg_grace_meg 2 · 0 2

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