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Why is it bad luck to say Macbeth in a theatre?

Anonymous

∙ 8y ago

Updated: 9/11/2023

Theater people believe it is bad luck. They call Macbeth the "Scottish play."

Wiki User

∙ 8y ago

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Q: Why is it bad luck to say Macbeth in a theatre?

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What is it bad luck to say in the theater?

In the British theatre it is bad luck to say "Macbeth". It is normally replaced by "the Scottish play".

Is it bad luck to say good luck in the theatre?

Although many actors believe that it is bad luck to say good luck in the theatre, it is not entirely proven that this might be real or not. However, it's said to be that Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, was known to be "cursed" and therefore, most of them seem to be in the clear... avoiding lines of the play that include scenes of him as well as the name of Macbeth itself before continuing to proceed or go on stage.With that said, this is the same with the statement "it is bad luck to say good luck in the theatre". No-one really knows if this can mess up the performance, but to stay safe, most actors just go with it and say "break a leg" instead.

Why don't you say Macbeth in a theater?

Apparently it's a superstition that it will bring bad luck to the theatre. Personally I think that it isn't true. I was reading Macbeth and talking about it at my rehearsal for a play and it went swimmingly.

Which of Shakespeare's plays is known as the scottish play?

Some people think that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to flatter James I because it was about Scotland, has witches in it (James liked witches), and makes a big deal out of Banquo who Holinshed claimed was the ancestor of the Stuarts, including James.

Why is the term break a leg used?

This expression is one of many used those involved in live theatre. Theatrical folk are traditionally superstitious. They don't want to say "good luck" because that may bring bad luck, so "break a leg" is the order of the day. Another theatre superstition is one surrounding Shakespeare's "Macbeth" which is set in Scotland. Theatre folk will not mention the name of that play within a theatre for fear it will bring bad luck, unless it is spoken as a line in Macbeth. It is usually referred to as "that Scottish play".

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Related Questions

What is it bad luck to say in the theater?

In the British theatre it is bad luck to say "Macbeth". It is normally replaced by "the Scottish play".

Is it bad luck to say good luck in the theatre?

Although many actors believe that it is bad luck to say good luck in the theatre, it is not entirely proven that this might be real or not. However, it's said to be that Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, was known to be "cursed" and therefore, most of them seem to be in the clear... avoiding lines of the play that include scenes of him as well as the name of Macbeth itself before continuing to proceed or go on stage.With that said, this is the same with the statement "it is bad luck to say good luck in the theatre". No-one really knows if this can mess up the performance, but to stay safe, most actors just go with it and say "break a leg" instead.

Why don't you say Macbeth in a theater?

Apparently it's a superstition that it will bring bad luck to the theatre. Personally I think that it isn't true. I was reading Macbeth and talking about it at my rehearsal for a play and it went swimmingly.

Where is it bad luck to say Macbeth?

Tradition says, saying "Macbeth" in a theater will give bad luck to all the actors and the play itself. In a theater.

Why are you not allowed to say Macbeth in the play Macbeth?

Technically you can say Macbeth; there is nothing stopping you, except a lot of theatre people who will get angry with you. The word Macbeth is seen to be very bad luck to actors and actresses. Legend has it that an actor once said Macbeth before he took part in a play and then he dropped dead. The superstition is that if you say the word "Macbeth" in a theatre, except when you are actually performing or rehearsing the play, it's bad luck. You're supposed to call it "the scottish play" instead.

Which of Shakespeare's plays is known as the scottish play?

Some people think that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to flatter James I because it was about Scotland, has witches in it (James liked witches), and makes a big deal out of Banquo who Holinshed claimed was the ancestor of the Stuarts, including James.

Why is the term break a leg used?

This expression is one of many used those involved in live theatre. Theatrical folk are traditionally superstitious. They don't want to say "good luck" because that may bring bad luck, so "break a leg" is the order of the day. Another theatre superstition is one surrounding Shakespeare's "Macbeth" which is set in Scotland. Theatre folk will not mention the name of that play within a theatre for fear it will bring bad luck, unless it is spoken as a line in Macbeth. It is usually referred to as "that Scottish play".

What was one play set in Scotland by shakespeare?

Macbeth. By the way, professional actors have certain superstitions, and one of them is that it is bad luck to say "Macbeth" in a theater. They refer to it as "The Scottish Play".

What is the literal meaning of Macbeth?

Macbeth is the name of a play written by William Shakespeare. It is rife with superstition, people consider it bad luck to say the name Macbeth aloud.

Is it correct to say What a bad luck or What bad luck?

When something bad happens we say "What bad luck!"We do not say "What a bad luck!" because that is not correct in normal English usage.

What are you meant to refer to Macbeth as inside a theatre?

The superstition says that you are not to say the word "Macbeth" when you are in a theatre, unless you are rehearsing or performing the play. What you are supposed to call it is "The Scottish Play". That is, assuming you believe in that sort of thing.

How many things are there to bring the stage bad luck?

Stage actors and theatre people are some of the most superstitious folks I know. Some of the superstitions I know of are: - It is bad luck to say the last line of a play before the first performance. - It is bad luck to call the play Macbeth by its title. - a bad dress rehearsal is a sign the play will go well. - never wish an actor "good luck" instead say, "Break a leg" - if an actor is having a"good run" they may refuse to wash their socks until the play is over. - never look into a mirror over the shoulder of an actor. - many actors carry a talisman or good luck charm with them on stage.

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