It is understood that some things must not be done or said in a theatre. Of course, some of the so-called superstitions are based upon good practices.
Witches’ Incantations in Shakespeare’s Play
Perhaps the most prevalent belief is the one that forbids naming Shakespeare’s Macbeth. To do so except during performance is certain to bring disaster. “The Scottish Play” and the title character, “The Scottish Lord” are the customary euphemisms. Sometimes the drama is referred to as the one that gave the phrase “lead on, Macduff”.
Anyone who misspeaks has to go outside, spin counterclockwise three times, spit, swear, and request re-entry into the theatre.
During Shakespeare’s time, people who believed in such powers feared that the witches’ incantations were real. Any inexplicable occurrences related to the play are blamed on “supernatural forces of evil”. The cursed reputation could be the result of injuries sustained during the major sword fights.
Cats and Good Fortune
Cats are considered to be magical creatures and sources of good luck in a theatre. Black cats are especially prized. In the Theatre Francais (Paris), the resident cat is a privileged being. A member of the acting company who is greeted at the door or brushed against by the cat is considered to be very fortunate.
However, if any cat crosses the stage during performance, it is thought to be a bad omen. An opposing belief is that cats on stage are good luck. When they are nearby and content, “all is well in the supernatural world”.
Peacock Feathers and Whistling
Peacock feathers are never to be taken on the stage. They should not be used in costumes, props or decorations. There is strong belief that they should not be anywhere in the theatre. Since at least Elizabethan times, the feathers are said to have evil eyes.
Whistling is not allowed. Years ago, out-of-work sailors who knew how to make secure rope knots and handle ropes were the stage hands. Sandbags were used as counter balances for the heavy curtains. At the appropriate time, an ‘all clear’ signal was whistled for the crew to let the scenery or sandbag drop. Anyone who happened to be walking around below and whistling could be killed.
Ghost Lights in Theatres
According to personnel, many theatres have ghosts. At Drury Lane Theatre in London, England, performers believe they will obtain great acting success if they see the resident ghost. A universal practice is to leave a single light on all night. Superstition has it that a darkened theatre is an invitation for ghosts to frolic.
It’s very possible that the habit of leaving a light on was for safety of anyone who entered the theatre late at night. It’s also possible that, as a darkened theatre means there is no show, the light is a metaphor indicating that the theatre’s light has not gone out.
The popular wish for theatre performers to “break a leg” is a holdover from Medieval days. People commonly believed in Sprites, and attempted to outsmart them. The idea was that if the Sprites heard a request for something good, they tried to make something bad happen. With this type of reverse psychology, performers are actually being wished good luck.
Omens, Folklore, and Comfortable Rituals
- On opening night of a new play, a person with a paid ticket has to be admitted first before anyone with a free ticket can enter.
- If a thespian’s costume catches onto something she or he must quickly retrace the steps before entering the stage. Otherwise, the performance would be marred with misfortune.
- A bad dress rehearsal can indicate that the actual performance will be perfect.
- It’s bad luck to speak the last line of a play before opening night.
In theatre and elsewhere, superstitions are based on folklore and fears. There is some comfort in the related rituals.
Sources:
- Supernatural on Stage: Ghosts and Superstitions of the Theater by Richard Huggett Taplinger Publishing Co., 1975
- Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition by Stuart A. Vyse, Oxford University Press, USA, 1997
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