Theater superstitions and rituals still exist in modern acting companies, such as not mentioning the name of Macbeth inside a theater. Other superstitions include using fake props, avoiding certain colors, and saying “break a leg” instead of “good luck.” Ghosts also play a part in some superstitions, such as leaving a “ghost light” on center stage at night. Many actors observe these traditions as a tribute to ancient theatrical traditions and for consistent performances.
Many theater patrons would be surprised to learn how many theatrical superstitions and behind-the-scenes rituals still exist in modern acting companies. When actor Patrick Stewart took the lead role in a Broadway production of Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, for example, he had to learn not to mention the play’s name while inside the walls of a theatre. The use of the euphemism ‘that Scottish comedy’ in place of the current title is a long-standing tradition.
There are several theories behind this particular superstition, many of which surround the use of spells during the opening scene. According to legend, real witches were originally cast to play witches in early productions and the spells they used were said to be genuine. A witch is said to have cursed the game as revenge for revealing these secret spells. Several actors and others connected with subsequent productions have died under mysterious circumstances, so cast members traditionally avoid announcing any upcoming productions of Macbeth, lest they attract the attention of the witch and her curse.
Another type of theatrical superstition involves the use of fake props in place of real valuables, such as antiques, jewelry, or real flowers. However, this behavior has practical value, as such items could be lost, broken, or stolen during a production run. Even real flowers need to be replaced regularly and the risk of slips and falls on a wet stage is always present. Some theater companies also believe that genuine antiques carry with them the previous owners’ spiritual energies, both positive and negative, and the negative energy could affect performances.
The use of a real Bible or other holy relic is also discouraged on stage. Stage masters often use a common book and fake cover to simulate a bible on stage rather than show disrespect for a sacred text.
The personal behavior of actors and other theater workers is also a source of superstition in the theatre. Whistling is considered to bring bad luck, mainly because it was the preferred method of communication for train drivers, and an unplanned whistle could signal an unexpected and dangerous change of scenery. Since modern technical crews now use computer control systems and cell phones in place of sailors’ whistles, whistling in the backstage area is no longer the dangerous practice it once was, but it is still avoided.
Actors in musical productions are also not allowed to hum or sing songs from the actual show before a performance. Also, during rehearsals, actors should not deliver the final lines of a play, as no play is considered “complete” without an audience. Actors who violate these unspoken rules and rituals may be asked to perform a penance before rejoining the cast. In the case of Macbeth, for example, any actor quoting the real title inside a theater must immediately leave the building, turn around three times, utter a profanity, and then ask permission to re-enter the building.
Some theatrical superstitions pertain to the use of certain colors in a production. The color yellow, for example, is considered unlucky in many old theater companies because it originally represented Satan in early morality plays. The use of a yellow clarinet in the orchestra is also considered a bad omen.
Another unfortunate color, at least on stage, is green. While the luxurious backstage area known as the Green Room is universally considered a good thing, using the color green on stage could prove problematic. Some suggest that actors who wore green during outdoor productions could blend in with the natural vegetation visible behind the stage.
While most of the lead actors appreciate gifts, there are also some superstitions associated with certain gifts. Flowers should never be presented to an actress before a performance, only after. Indeed, an old belief called for the presentation of flowers stolen from a cemetery, a tradition apparently started out of financial need by struggling acting companies.
There are also superstitions surrounding the behavior of actors both on and off stage. Stumbling before entering is considered good luck, as is having a bad dress rehearsal. To avoid cursing onstage, many casts meet backstage just before a performance and shout a chosen expletive multiple times to get it out of their systems. Pinching an actor before he takes the stage is also considered good luck.
The one thing a benefactor must never do is wish an actor good luck. This is perhaps one of the best-known theatrical superstitions still in effect today. There is a belief among some theater professionals that ghosts tend to haunt empty theaters and are eager to produce the opposite result of whatever requests they hear. To counter these spirits, actors often say the opposite of what they really mean. By telling someone to “break a leg” instead of “good luck,” the hope is that the spirit will be tricked into providing real good luck for the performer.
Ghosts also play a part in another superstition known as Ghost Light. Since ghosts can only inhabit dark spaces, a special “ghost light” is traditionally left on center stage at night. This light is intended to keep evil spirits at bay, but also provides enough illumination for early crew members to find their way backstage without tripping over sets or other obstacles. Many theaters are also closed one evening a week, commonly Monday, to allow theater ghosts an opportunity to visit the darkened stage and perform their plays.
However, there are some theatrical superstitions that seem to defy logic. The use of peacock feathers in any shape or form is said to bring bad luck, primarily because the “eyes” of a peacock’s plumage represent the evil eye. Knitting is also discouraged both on and off stage, ostensibly because the needles could damage costumes or be stepped on by actors. Carrying a makeup box is also considered a bad omen, as it represents an amateurish trait in a professional actor or actress. Also, boxes should never be cleaned to make room for new makeup supplies.
Some of these beliefs have fallen by the wayside in recent years, but many of them are still regularly practiced by established theater companies. These backstage rituals may seem strange or archaic to outsiders, but many actors observe them both as a tribute to ancient theatrical traditions and as a means of producing a consistent level of uneventful performance for their audiences, just as professional sports teams observe their own pre-game rituals.
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