Name ___________________________________
Period ___________
The Curse of the Scottish Play:
a look into the mystery & misfortune surrounding productions of Macbeth
DUE TOMORROW – 15 points
DIRECTIONS
“Break a leg!” Even if you don’t consider yourself a member of the theater community, you probably
understand this expression. Performers are historically superstitious and would never come right out and wish
each other “good luck” because doing so is considered bad luck. So “break a leg” became a way to tell your
cast mates you are rooting for them without violating the superstition.
Theater is full of these types of superstitions, but none worse than the curse of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
YOUR JOB:
Use the links on my website (or type in the addresses below – although that’s much more work) to find the
answers to the questions below.
Site A: http://www.siskiyous.edu/theatre/theatersuperstitions/macbeth.htm
1. What is the superstition about the play’s name?
2. Explain at least two theories of the origin of the curse (reasons why the play is cursed).
Site C: http://www.endicott-studio.com/rdrm/theatricalSuperstitions1.html
3. If an actor accidentally mentions the name “Macbeth” or quotes from the play backstage, what does
superstition say that actor must do?
4. What are some names theater professionals will use to refer to “Macbeth” so that they don’t have to
say the name of the play (name at least two)? Why is each name appropriate and/or clever?
Site D: http://www.newvictory.org/showMoreAbout.m?showID=1007468&faqItemID=1009305
5. What first evidence of bad luck happened during the original performance of Macbeth? Who stepped
in to allow the production to continue?
6. Name at least two instances of bad luck associated with productions of Macbeth that were not already
discussed on this worksheet.
7. What president considered Macbeth to be one of his favorite plays? How is the curse of Macbeth linked
to his death?
8. Some additional, non-curse related background.
Site E: http://www.folger.edu/documents/Full%20Macbeth%20Study%20Guide.pdf
Read the “Shakespeare’s Macbeth” page:
a. What king was Macbeth written & performed for?
b. It was performed for this king because he was interested in ______________________.
c. Is Macbeth a comedy, tragedy or history play?