It is forbidden to say "Macbeth" within a theatre due to a long-standing theatrical superstition that doing so will bring bad luck or even curse the production. This deeply ingrained belief has roots in a history of tragic and violent incidents associated with performances of William Shakespeare's play.
The superstition surrounding the play is so prevalent that actors and theatre professionals often refer to it by euphemisms such as "the Scottish Play" or "the Bard's Play" to avoid uttering its name inside a theatre.
Origins of the "Macbeth" Curse
The genesis of this theatrical superstition is attributed to a series of unfortunate events and historical calamities that have occurred during or in connection with the play's productions over centuries.
Key Incidents Contributing to the Legend:
- 1606 Tragic Opening Night: It is widely believed that during the play's premiere in 1606, the actor originally cast as Lady Macbeth tragically died on opening night. Legend states that Shakespeare himself had to step in to perform the role to save the production. This early, dramatic incident is often cited as the origin point for the play's cursed reputation, suggesting an immediate and dire consequence of its staging.
- 1849 Astor Place Riot: A more concrete and devastating event linked to the play occurred in New York City in 1849. The Astor Place Riot was a violent public disturbance sparked by a rivalry between two prominent actors, William Charles Macready from Britain and Edwin Forrest from America, both performing in competing productions of Macbeth. This bitter artistic feud escalated into a deadly riot, resulting in at least 25 deaths and hundreds injured. The sheer scale of this tragedy, directly tied to dueling productions of Macbeth, solidified the play's notorious association with misfortune and violence in the collective consciousness of the theatre community.
These historical events, coupled with other anecdotes of accidents, fires, and financial ruin befalling productions, have cemented the belief that speaking the play's title inside a theatre invites disaster. The superstition serves as a cautionary tale and a deeply respected tradition within the theatrical world, leading to strict adherence to the unwritten rule against naming "the Scottish Play."
For more information on theatrical superstitions, you can explore various theatre superstitions. You can also learn more about the specific incident of the Astor Place Riot.
