Superstitions in Shakespearean Theatre:The Fear of “Macbeth”

By Daniel Proveaux

staff writter

Published: Saturday, October 23, 2010

Updated: Saturday, October 23, 2010 17:10

A superstition is a belief or notion not based on reason or knowledge. The word is often used negatively to refer to folk beliefs deemed irrational, which is appropriate since irrational means "not based on reason," The theatre is no stranger to some of these superstitions. Of course, superstitions, like "don't walk under an open ladder" or "don't open up an umbrella indoors," holds true in all walks of life.  But there are a few superstitions that are only heard of in the theatre.Many of the superstitions in the theatre involve ghosts. For instance, one ghost-related superstition is that the theatre should always be closed one night a week to give the ghosts a chance to perform their own plays. This is traditionally on Monday nights, conveniently giving actors a day off after weekend performances. Another ghost-related superstition is one should always leave a light burning in an empty theatre. Traditionally, the light is placed upstage center of the stage. That is, farthest from the audience, center stage. Several reasons are given for this, all having to do with ghosts: The light wards off ghosts, a theatre's ghosts always want to have enough light to see.   Failure to provide this may anger them, leading to pranks or other mishaps.  It also prevents people who are not ghosts from having to cross the stage in the dark, falling into the orchestra pit, dying in the fall and becoming ghosts themselves. Though it's a superstition, it does have practical value: the backstage area of a theatre tends to be cluttered, so someone who enters a completely darkened space is liable to be injured while hunting for a light switch.There are even some superstitions involving certain plays, particularly William Shakespeare's "Macbeth." "Macbeth" is said to be cursed, so actors avoid saying its name (the euphemism "The Scottish Play" or simply "That Play" is often used instead) inside of a theatre. If an actor speaks the name Macbeth in a theatre, he or she is required to leave the theatre building, spin around three times, spit, curse, and then knock to be allowed back in. Productions of "Macbeth" are said to have been plagued with accidents, many ending in death. According to legend, this dates back to the premiere of the play when an actor died because a real dagger was mistakenly used instead of the prop. The play does include more fight scenes and other such opportunities for accidents than does the average play, and the atmosphere in the backstage area of old-fashioned theaters was a prime setting for disasters, especially when dealing with potentially dangerous equipment.Those who believe in the curse claim that real spells are cast in the three witches' scene. According to the superstition, Shakespeare got a few of the lines from an actual coven of witches and when they saw the play they were greatly offended and cursed the play. Another tradition tells that the original propmaster could not find a suitable pot for a cauldron and stole one from a coven, who then cursed the play in revenge for the theft. It is believed that breaking the taboo calls the ghosts of the three witches to the show, and it is they who cause all the mishaps. The last, and probably most spectacular view of the curse, is that Shakespeare

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used the curse in the play to actually curse the play himself, guaranteeing that no one other than himself would be able to direct the play. Some believe, however, that the superstition began when old theatres would struggle to make ends meet. "Macbeth" was always a crowd favorite, so it would be produced in order to boost ticket sales so the company can survive. The play was usually performed at the end of a season, and afterward the company would meet its demise. The fear of "Macbeth" comes from the fear of bad business and of an entire company being put out of work.Like most things, there is always a time and a place where one can say certain things. Macbeth is one of those things. Macbeth can be said anytime outside of a theater—almost like opening an umbrella, it's okay to do it outside but never inside. Also, there is one exception to the superstition that allows you to say Macbeth inside of a theatre. Macbeth can be said inside of a theatre only when "Macbeth" is to be performed. You can say it during production, and during the performance, but as soon as the show closes, the superstition is back in effect.On November 5, 2010, Marjorie Lyons will open its second show of the fall semester; you guessed it, William Shakespeare's "Macbeth".  Rehearsals have already begun and there are no injuries (physical or psychological) to report. The set is rapidly being completed with still no injuries. We are in the midst of a great show. Mark your calendars, ladies and gentleman. It's going to be a haunting, but amazing, theatrical experience!

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