The Scottish Play, Break Legs, and Ghost Lights: Superstitions in the Theatre
File(s)
Date
2011-05-20Author
Howard, Robert Glenn
Vechinski, Brooke
Wiegert, Nicole
Langley, Karlin
Doherty, James
Cushman, Tyrell
Advisor(s)
Howard, Robert Glenn
Metadata
Show full item recordSubject
curses
theatre
acting
theater
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/52764Description
An examination of the superstitions that are held by theatre participants, specifically in the Southern Wisconsin area, why the superstitions are held, and the feelings that participants have about those superstitions. General superstitions included are why you never say MacBeth in a theatre, why you never say Good Luck to anyone in theatre, and why ghost lights are left on in the theatre. The respondents also then talk about places that they have learned these superstitions and whether or not they believe they have any value. The video also includes the respondents discussing any personal superstitions that they may have that are specific to themselves. These superstitions are an interesting aspect of communication because they dictate the ways in which participants in the theatre world interact with other members and also nonmembers.