Thursday, June 29, 2006

Inside Theatre

"The Scottish Play"


From Wikipedia:
The Scottish play and The Bard's play are euphemisms often used for William Shakespeare's Macbeth. Saying 'Macbeth' inside a theatre is often considered taboo, as it is thought to bring on the curse associated with the play. The lead actors themselves are referred to as "Mr. and Mrs. M." The euphemism is so named because Macbeth is set in Scotland. Another variation of the superstition forbids direct quotation of the play while within a theatre.
Now some might say that theatre, given the inherently risky nature of live performance, just naturally spawns superstition. And many people I've spoken to in the theatre claim they don't REALLY believe such nonsense. On the other hand, they also wouldn't say the M word aloud. Why take a chance after all?

Have any of you been witness to, or have a juicy story (apocryphal or not) involving the Scottish Play?

Inquiring minds want to know.

1 comment:

JJ at the Playhouse said...

Has anyone seen Lee Blessing's "The Scottish Play." It's a comedy about a troupe of actors producing... you guessed it, and terrible things shappen. Anyone? Anyone?