Still today most theaters place a lamp on stage overnight as the only light in the theater.
Lots of theories on the purpose of the lamp. Some say it is truly for the safety of someone walking on stage in a dark theater. Nowadays I am sure it is easy to flip a switch or use a flashlight. Others say it is purely superstition to keep ghosts away.
One cool superstition I heard is it is lit to keep away the bad spirits of previous shows that failed in the theater.
You addressed the two things that it represents.....safety and superstition. The only two reasons I have ever heard.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
The superstition I had heard was the light was to allow the the ghosts to play on the stage when the actors and other humans were gone. (Either as tribute or to keep them mollified so they won't interfere with the production, I'm not certain. Likely a bit of both)
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.