Superstitions are a fallacy. What they infer is that if a certain thing happens, the next thing that follows it would be because of previous action carried out. In other words, ‘post hoc ergo propter hoc’ which is Latin for ‘after this, therefore because of this.’
There are a few superstitions related to theater that simply fascinate me. One of them has to do with my all time favorite Shakespearean play, Macbeth, or as it is known in the theater-verse, 'The Scottish Play.' Macbeth is supposed to be a taboo word inside a theater. Why? Because it was believed that the opening scene with the three witches and the incantations they use were real and one could summon the evil spirits. And so this play was deemed ‘haunted.’ Another thing to not say inside the performance area is ‘good luck.’ It is believed that the opposite of what one says inside a theater comes true and therefore actors are told to ‘break a leg.’
What happens if you actually happen to say this inside the auditorium? Is there any way to reverse it, you ask? Why yes, there most certainly is a way. The person who uttered these forbidden words is required to leave the theater building, spin around three times, spit, curse, and then knock to be allowed back in.
Like I said, fascinating! Isn’t it?
To read a slightly different version of this same article, click here.
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