Macbeth Superstition Essay

Theatre has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations, and it has evolved into a complex art form that encompasses various disciplines. Along with the artistry and technical aspects of theatre, superstitions have also played a significant role in theatrical productions. Theatre superstitions are beliefs or practices that actors, directors, and crew members follow to avoid bad luck or ensure a successful performance. They often include rituals or sayings that are believed to bring luck or ward off evil spirits. These superstitions have been passed down through generations and are deeply ingrained in theatre culture. Although some may be quick to dismiss people’s beliefs in supernatural causation, they hold great significance

Additionally, many performers adhere to their own superstitions and traditions. Not everyone will believe in several superstitions, but many will believe in at least one. The superstition surrounding Macbeth by William Shakespeare is “so old, so all-consuming, so intimidating, that just about everybody in the theatre believes in it” (Huggett, 133). For over four hundred years, the play has carried bad luck and terrifying disasters along with it, so much so that it has become unlucky to mention it in a theater. Furthermore, many actors are scared to mention it by name outside of a theater so, it is often referred to as “The Scottish Play”. After the first performance of the play was hit by tragedy, the theatre community has been cursed any time the word “Macbeth” is said inside a theater. The first instance of the curse was during the premiere when the young boy playing Lady Macbeth died during the performance. Shakespeare himself was directing, and it is believed that he had to replace the boy as Macbeth’s Lady (Huggett, 134). Additionally, another famous incident involving “The Scottish Play” was the Astor Place Riot in New York City in 1849. The riot occurred “when a crowd of more than 10,000 New Yorkers gathered to protest the appearance of British actor William Charles Macready” who had a public rivalry with American actor Edwin Forest (Faires). The two were playing Macbeth in opposing productions at the same time. The protest turned riot, leading to the death of at least 20 people, is tied to the curse of Macbeth to this day. Another strange connection to Macbeth involves Abraham Lincoln. The former president often carried a copy of Macbeth with him on long trips. A week before his assassination, Lincoln read the book aloud to his friends when they were on board the River Queen on