Find out how not to look clumsy backstage in a theater!
For centuries, superstitions have played an important role in theatrical life. Actors and production members often follow specific rituals before, during and after performances in the hope of warding off bad luck and attracting good fortune. Traditions endure in this business! Some superstitions are universal, while others are specific to certain regions. For example, everyone knows the famous superstition of never saying "Macbeth" on stage, but few people know why this tradition exists. In this article, we'll explore the origins and meanings of some of the most common superstitions in the theater world. So sit back and let us take you into the mystical world of theatrical superstitions!
No green on stage!
At least for French-speaking theater, because color superstitions are universally present, but the forbidden colors vary. In France and Quebec, the color green is considered evil and avoided at all costs. This superstition has its origin in the use of copper oxide to dye fabrics green, a toxic substance that could be dangerous for those who wore their costumes directly on the skin. Indeed, in the 16th century, actors were not aware of the risks of this substance. In England, it was the color blue that was often avoided on stage, due to the high cost of blue dye at the time. To save money, the producers would then have launched a rumor that blue costumes were bad luck. All means are good! As for the Spanish actors, they often avoid wearing yellow, because in bullfighting, the cape of the bullfighter is yellow inside and reveals this color only in case of goring by the bull. This superstition has spread to the world of theater and has become a widely accepted belief. In sum, taboos about color on stage are rooted in theatrical history and culture, and continue to be an integral part of theatrical life today. Although some of them may seem irrational, they are a testament to the strength of tradition and superstition in the theater world.
Never say "good luck"
One of the strangest theatrical traditions is to wish the actors and actresses "shit" before a performance. This expression is actually considered good luck, as it dates back to the 19th century when horses tethered in front of the theater would relieve themselves on the forecourt. The more dung there was, the bigger the audience and the more successful the play. Thus, to wish the actors success, they were told "shit" before the performance. The appropriate response to this expression is "I'll take it!", not a simple "thank you", which would be considered a bad omen. Of course, if you are in the habit of saying "thank you" all the time, it won't affect the performance, but it's always good to follow customs to bring a little extra luck!
The Curse of the 3 Candles
Lighting one candle is ok, lighting two is also ok, but 3 is too many! Indeed, according to this belief, the actor who would stand closest to the shortest candle would either be the next to get married or lose his life. Morbid. This superstition has its origins in the need to preserve the safety of the actors and the audience. Open flames can be very dangerous and cause fires, as has happened in many theaters in the past. For example, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613 due to a theater cannon igniting during a performance of Henry VIII. As a result, many theaters prefer to avoid the risks associated with using open flames on stage.
No whistling backstage!
It was once common to hire sailors as stagehands in theaters because of their experience with the whistle codes used to raise or lower boat sails. These codes were then used backstage for maneuvering during performances. To avoid confusion and technical errors, a rule was established that actors were not allowed to whistle backstage. This rule became a superstition over time. Another possible explanation is linked to the time when theaters were lit with gas, where a gas leak produced a whistling sound that could cause an explosion. In this context, whistling was also forbidden to avoid panic in the theater.
Macbeth by Shakespeare, to be avoided!
Macbeth is a play written by Shakespeare that tells the story of General Macbeth who kills his king to gain power, pushed by his wife, Lady Macbeth. This play is considered cursed because no performance has ever been performed without an actor being killed or seriously injured. In addition, the fight scenes could cause fatal accidents due to the poor safety conditions of the time. This superstition dates back to the first performance when Shakespeare was forced to replace the actor who was to play Lady Macbeth, who died suddenly. This evil power of the play is attributed to the fact that, during a scene, Lady Macbeth evokes evil spirits. Theater companies that dare to perform the play therefore refrain from pronouncing the title of the play, referring instead to the "Scottish play" or the "unspeakable play". This superstition can also be explained by the technical conditions of the time, where the fight scenes could lead to fatal accidents.
Monday, the night of the ghosts
There is a mystical tradition in theaters: ghosts can perform their own plays in the absence of actors and spectators. Theaters are usually closed on Mondays, as this is the day when there are fewer spectators. While the actors and actresses are resting, the ghosts can enter the stage and perform their own show. So, to protect them from accidents and curses, the stage managers put up a standing lamp called a "sentinel" or "ghost light", which lights up the stage during the whole night. This lamp is also supposed to welcome or ward off spirits.
Flowers yes, carnations no.
Giving flowers to actors is a beautiful tradition that goes back centuries. However, it is important to be careful about the meaning of each flower so as not to offend the recipients. For example, red carnations have often been associated with passionate declarations of love, while yellow carnations have negative connotations, such as betrayal or jealousy. When it comes to carnations given to actors, it's true that these flowers have a special history in the theater world. In the past, theater directors used flowers to communicate with actors. They gave roses to actors they wanted to keep and carnations to those whose contracts were not renewed. Actors developed an aversion to carnations because they were synonymous with the end of a contract. It is therefore important to choose flowers carefully before giving a bouquet to actors. Roses are always a safe bet, as they symbolize love and recognition. White lilies can also be a nice option, as they represent purity and innocence. On the other hand, it is best to avoid yellow or red carnations, as well as chrysanthemums, which are traditionally associated with funerals and death in some cultures.
We don't talk about "Ropes."
The word "rope" is often proscribed in theaters, as stage technicians were once former sailors who kept the terms of their trade. On a ship, each rope had a specific name: halyard, mooring line, sheet, etc. Thus, the use of the word "rope" could be confusing. In addition, there was a particular rope that was referred to by this term and was used to hang criminals. Consequently, stage technicians used terms such as "thread", "rope" or "end" to avoid any ambiguity.
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