{"id":1420,"date":"2014-08-09T15:27:59","date_gmt":"2014-08-09T19:27:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/theaterseatstorec1.nextmp.net\/wordpress\/?p=1420"},"modified":"2025-10-31T09:47:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T13:47:20","slug":"theater-superstitions-the-scottish-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theaterseatstore.com\/blog\/theater-superstitions-the-scottish-play","title":{"rendered":"Theater Superstitions: The Scottish Play"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ css=”.vc_custom_1739907273544{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n

Macbeth<\/em> is considered to be one of Shakespeare\u2019s greatest plays. It\u2019s also, however, widely regarded as one of his most unlucky. Accidents, injuries, and catastrophe seem to plague productions of this play wherever it is performed. The high number of misfortunes associated with the play has given rise to the belief that a curse haunts Macbeth<\/em>. Actors, audiences in their home theater seats<\/a>, and fans of Shakespeare fear this curse so much that they even avoid uttering the play\u2019s name out loud.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”1435″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1739904348781{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n

A Brief History of the Macbeth<\/em> Curse<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″]While writing the play, Shakespeare noted that his patron, King James, believed in supernatural forces. In a bid to endear himself to the monarch, Shakespeare decided to include witches as characters in the play. His portrayal was extremely realistic; in fact, he included verbatim incantations and ritual practices. Ironically, King James was disturbed by the inclusion of witches in a play meant for his pleasure, and he banned the play from being performed for several years. It’s said that when real practitioners of witchcraft witnessed the play and saw their sacred ceremonies being exploited, they exacted revenge by placing a curse on its current and future productions.<\/p>\n

Since then, the play has suffered its fair share of production-related accidents, injuries, illnesses and deaths. In Amsterdam during 1672, a murder occurred on stage when a prop dagger was replaced with a real one. During an 1849 production, a deadly riot broke out as the result of heckling. An actor suddenly lost his voice on stage in 1934, and even his replacement had to be hospitalized for a fever. Production and prop mishaps tend to follow this production through the centuries and across oceans.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1739904371948{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n

Ways to Prevent the Curse in Stage or Movie Theaters, With Recliners or Without<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n

For actors and audiences, the easiest way to prevent the curse of Macbeth<\/em> from manifesting is to simply avoid saying the name of the play while in the theater or anywhere near theater seating. Over the years, a series of nicknames for the play have taken the place of its formal title: When actors refer to the production, they often call it \u201cthe Scottish Play,\u201d \u201cthe unmentionable,\u201d or simply \u201cthat play.\u201d All aspects of the play must be handled with respect. Misuse of sets, costumes, or props can invite bad luck. Even quoting the play while sitting in reclining theater seats<\/a> has been said to bring misfortune.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1486159211499{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”]\n

What to Do When Someone Utters “Macbeth”<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ css=”.vc_custom_1739904467857{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]\n

The most common way to counteract the bad luck associated with saying \u201cMacbeth\u201d involves performing a ritual with multiple, but easy, steps. People responsible for saying the name should step outside of the theater, turn around three times, utter expletives of their choice, and request permission for re-entry into the theater before walking in again. Spitting may also have a beneficial effect after uttering the play\u2019s title.<\/p>\n

Some believers in the curse revere Shakespeare as the patron saint of the play. When the name \u201cMacbeth\u201d is heard in a theater, these individuals will often invoke his protection by quoting from Hamlet<\/em>. The line \u201cAngels and ministers of grace defend us\u201d is said to act as a spiritual shield against the curse and its negativity. Likewise, the phrase \u201cThrice around the circle bound, evil sink into the ground\u201d all but stops the curse in its tracks.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1527969832327{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”]\n

Logical Explanations<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n

Thespians and theater-lovers continue to respect the role that the production and its curse have played throughout history. Many still fear the curse\u2019s emergence and heed centuries-old warnings. There are, however, those who are quick to dismiss those allegedly connected tribulations. For some, the bad luck associated with the play can be easily explained away. It could be argued that dark lighting in theaters and the violent themes of the play contribute to dangerous stage conditions. Similarly, unsafe stage practices increase the probability of accidents. The popularity of the play and the length of its run naturally also gives it time to collect incidents and stories that contribute to its mythology. Regardless of the conclusion you draw, there is no doubt that the curse of Macbeth<\/em> plays a critical role in the history of the theater and Shakespearean tragedies.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1481322348056{padding-top: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”]\n

LEARN MORE<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”.blogpostfont” max_width=”1000″ text_direction=”default”]\n

For more information about the Scottish Play, please refer to the following websites:<\/p>\n