The Curse of Macbeth: Superstition on the World’s Stages and Its Enduring Impact
Superstition and theatre have long been intertwined, but few examples are as well-known as the so-called "Curse of Macbeth." Many actors and stage crews believe that simply speaking the name "Macbeth" inside a theatre brings bad luck, leading to accidents and mishaps during productions. As a result, traditions have developed where people refer to the tragedy as "The Scottish Play" to avoid tempting fate.
Shakespeare's Macbeth has gained a reputation for being accident-prone and surrounded by mysterious incidents during performances around the world. Some attribute this to coincidence or the psychological effects of belief, while others remain convinced the curse is real. Whether founded in fact or folklore, the superstition surrounding Macbeth continues to impact theatrical communities and performances to this day.
Origins of The Curse of Macbeth
The “curse of Macbeth” is one of theater’s most debated superstitions. Its roots stem from a mix of historical reputation, infamous stage accidents, and associations with royalty and witchcraft.
Historical Context and First Accounts
When William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in the early 17th century, the British stage had a reputation for unpredictability. Contemporary accounts note concerns over safety, especially with elaborate productions.
The belief in a curse emerged not long after its debut. By the 1700s, some actors avoided saying the play’s name inside theaters, referring to it as “The Scottish Play” to avoid attracting bad luck.
Diaries and letters from actors and theater folk recorded mishaps surrounding early productions. Over time, these stories laid the groundwork for the superstition’s lasting presence in theatrical culture.
Early Production Mishaps
Several notable incidents contributed to the superstition. During one of the earliest performances, records suggest the actor playing Lady Macbeth died suddenly backstage.
Other productions faced setbacks, including accidents with stage combat, faulty props, and even fires. Reports from the 19th and 20th centuries list injuries, illnesses, and losses of key cast members around the time of Macbeth performances.
Lists of tragedies, whether verified or exaggerated, circulated through theater communities. These mounting stories reinforced the association of the play with misfortune and risk.
Links to King James and Witchcraft
King James I, a Scottish king with a documented interest in witchcraft, directly influenced Shakespeare’s work. Macbeth prominently features witches, reflecting contemporary fears and James’s own published treatise on witches, Daemonologie.
Some historians argue that the inclusion of what were believed to be real witches’ spells heightened fears of the play’s text. Rumors spread that Macbeth invoked actual supernatural forces, particularly given King James’s fixation on rooting out witchcraft.
This strong link to both a real monarch and contemporary witchcraft practices gave added weight to the legend. For theater communities, these connections offered an explanation for the persistent bad luck tied to the play’s history.
Superstition and Theatrical Traditions
Many actors and theatre professionals observe strict traditions to protect their productions from perceived bad luck. The play Macbeth, often labeled as “cursed,” has given rise to unique customs and rituals in the performing arts community.
The “Scottish Play” Euphemism
Among the most well-known superstitions in theatre is the avoidance of the word “Macbeth” inside a theatre, except during rehearsals or performances of the play itself. Instead, actors refer to it as “The Scottish Play,” “The Bard’s Play,” or simply “that play.”
The practice is meant to fend off bad luck, as saying the title aloud is believed to bring disaster, technical mishaps, or injuries. The origins of this superstition trace back to stories of misfortune during early Macbeth productions. Over the years, the euphemism has become such a staple that even theatre staff and non-actors tend to follow it out of caution.
Common Euphemisms Table:
Original Name Euphemism Used Macbeth The Scottish Play Lady Macbeth The Scottish Lady
Rituals to Ward Off Bad Luck
If someone accidentally says “Macbeth” in a theatre, the error is expected to be corrected immediately through a counter-ritual. These rituals vary by region and tradition but typically include exiting the theatre, spinning around three times, spitting over the left shoulder, swearing, and knocking to be allowed back in.
Some traditions call for reciting lines from another Shakespeare play, such as Hamlet, as a form of “cleansing.” The purpose of these rituals is to counter or prevent any bad luck believed to have been summoned. Seasoned actors take these rituals seriously, treating them as essential steps to safeguard their production—and their peace of mind.
Notable Accidents and Mishaps in Productions
Performances of Macbeth are often associated with a pattern of accidents, injuries, and unplanned disruptions. Documented reports reveal how these incidents have affected both actors and productions over many years, fueling ongoing belief in the play's so-called curse.
Famous Stage Accidents
Numerous Macbeth productions have been disrupted by unexpected injuries and technical failures. In 1937, actor Laurence Olivier was nearly hit by a falling stage weight while playing Macbeth at the Old Vic. The same run saw a real sword injure another cast member, drawing blood during a fight scene.
Sir John Gielgud's 1942 production experienced multiple mishaps, including a fire that broke out backstage. Light rigging accidents and set collapses are regularly reported, sometimes requiring immediate adjustment or even cancellation of performances.
These incidents have led to increased safety measures for sword fighting and stagecraft but have done little to quiet the play’s reputation as hazardous.
Backstage Stories from Actors
Actors frequently share personal accounts of odd occurrences while working on Macbeth. Some report prop malfunctions and forgotten lines at critical moments. Others recall being hurt during fight choreography despite safety precautions.
Famed actor Ian McKellen described unsettling onstage tension and accidents involving actors entering at incorrect times or missing cues altogether. Several accounts note lead performers taking ill suddenly, requiring understudies to step in with little notice.
Common superstitions among actors include avoiding the name “Macbeth” backstage, instead referring to it as “The Scottish Play.” Rituals such as spinning in circles or spitting are practiced to counter supposed bad luck.
High-Profile International Incidents
Notable accidents linked to Macbeth are not limited to British or American stages. In 1849, a rivalry between actors William Charles Macready and Edwin Forrest in New York resulted in the Astor Place Riot, causing dozens of deaths—one of the most violent theater incidents in history.
In 1971, a production in Manila was halted after several performers fell ill unexpectedly during rehearsals. Australian companies have reported fires erupting within theaters on opening nights of Macbeth, prompting full-scale evacuations.
Internationally, such events are cited to reinforce the idea of a curse, lending the superstition a global dimension and increasing caution among theater professionals worldwide.
Prominent Figures and Legendary Performances
Stage legends have often faced unexpected difficulties during their portrayals of Macbeth, fueling both skepticism and belief in the so-called curse. Patterns of accidents, illness, and technical mishaps have been repeated across decades of different productions.
Laurence Olivier’s Encounters
Laurence Olivier starred as Macbeth in a 1937 production at the Old Vic Theatre in London. During rehearsals, multiple accidents rattled the cast and crew. Olivier himself narrowly avoided serious injury when a stage weight crashed down, missing him by inches.
Other incidents included the sudden illness of a key actress and the collapse of a sword on set. Some cast members attributed these events to the infamous curse, while others cited coincidence and the hazardous nature of stagecraft. Still, the series of mishaps became closely linked with the production’s reputation.
Despite the turbulence, Olivier’s performance earned critical acclaim. His portrayal demonstrated both his personal resilience and the unpredictable environment surrounding this play.
Charlton Heston’s Experience
Charlton Heston faced significant difficulties during a 1953 performance of Macbeth staged in Bermuda. Part way through the run, Heston suffered burns to his legs after his tights caught fire due to stage pyrotechnics.
The accident was widely reported and became one of the most cited modern examples of the so-called curse at work. Although injured, Heston chose to continue with the production, insisting the show must go on.
Cast and crew noted the incident added an uneasy tension backstage. Heston’s perseverance underscored both the dangers involved and the strong commitment actors bring to this play, even in challenging circumstances.
The Curse Across the World’s Stages
Superstitions about Macbeth persist in major theater communities and are shaped by unique local traditions. The belief in a curse influences practices, performances, and perceptions from New York City to stages worldwide.
The Curse in New York City
In New York City, the heart of American theater, superstition around Macbeth is ingrained in backstage culture. Actors and crew members regularly refer to the play as “The Scottish Play” to avoid invoking bad luck.
Broadway productions have reported incidents ranging from minor accidents to technical failures during runs of Macbeth. Some performers follow specific rituals—such as spinning three times, spitting, or reciting lines from other Shakespeare plays—to counter curses if someone mistakenly says “Macbeth” inside a theater.
New York theaters often post reminders backstage about the superstition, emphasizing its cultural importance. While skeptical voices exist, many seasoned professionals follow these traditions to maintain camaraderie and respect for theater lore. This adherence reflects both respect for history and a desire to minimize risk.
Global Reputations and Local Variations
Outside New York, the superstition has distinct variations. In London’s West End, similar avoidance of the play’s title is common, but some theaters expand the ritual by requiring the offending person to leave the room, knock three times, and seek permission to re-enter.
In Australia and Canada, some productions adopt a lighter approach, treating the Macbeth curse as a theatrical in-joke, while still observing basic traditions. Accidents and technical problems during performances are sometimes attributed to the curse, blending superstition with humor.
A comparison of traditions shows both the shared roots and regional twists in how the curse is handled:
Region Title Avoided Rituals After Saying "Macbeth" Attitude Toward the Curse New York City Yes Spinning, spitting, reciting lines Respected, carefully observed London Yes Leaving the room, knocking, apology Formal, steeped in ritual Australia/Canada Yes Lighter observance, joking Casual, sometimes ironic
These global differences highlight the enduring legacy of the Macbeth curse and its ongoing influence on theatrical traditions.
Ongoing Influence on Modern Theatre
The curse surrounding Macbeth continues to shape how productions approach William Shakespeare’s play on stage. From traditional superstitions to institutionalized practices, its legacy persists across the global theatre community.
Contemporary Superstitions
Actors and theatre staff still avoid saying the name “Macbeth” inside a theatre, preferring the phrase “the Scottish Play” to ward off misfortune. If the forbidden name is spoken, specific rituals—such as spinning in a circle, spitting, or quoting lines from another Shakespearean work—are often performed to break the supposed curse.
Incidents such as onstage injuries, technical mishaps, and sudden illnesses are frequently attributed to the curse.
This belief has led theatres to develop strict customs, with some even banning rehearsals of certain scenes outside of stage hours.
Superstition about Macbeth is not isolated; it joins a long list of theatre traditions, including not wishing performers "good luck" and always leaving a light on when the stage is empty.
Legacy in Theatre Culture
The story of Macbeth’s curse has become part of theatre lore, influencing how theatres prepare for productions. Directors often address the curse during rehearsals, reminding cast members of historic accidents connected to early showings of Macbeth in the 1600s.
The reputation of the curse helps foster camaraderie among theatre professionals.
Stories and anecdotes about misfortunes during Macbeth productions are commonly shared, further embedding superstition into theatre culture.
Theatres worldwide incorporate these beliefs into their routines, ensuring that even newer generations remain aware of the play’s unique status. This ongoing tradition distinguishes Macbeth and reinforces the ongoing relationship between superstition and live performance.
Conclusion
The superstition surrounding Macbeth continues to influence theatre culture. Many actors and crew members go to great lengths to avoid speaking the play’s name while inside a theatre, referring to it only as “The Scottish Play.” This tradition stems from a deep-rooted belief in a curse attached to the tragedy.
Reports of accidents and mishaps during performances have added to the curse’s reputation. Some suggest that the presence of witchcraft in the script contributes to this lingering unease among theatre practitioners.
Standard responses to the curse exist in many theatres. The most common remedy:
Exit the theatre building
Spin around three times
Spit over the left shoulder
Swear or utter a curse word
Request permission to re-enter
Despite these rituals, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of a curse. Many consider these practices a part of the rich tradition and communal folklore of theatre rather than a true threat.
Macbeth remains one of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed plays. The superstition only adds to its mystique, keeping it relevant and widely discussed on stages around the world.
