A Certain Scottish Play

[TheGirlinTheFrock]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 7:28pm

I was in a theatre recently and someone was about to say that certain show and I stopped them. I'm one of those people who have the superstition not to say it in a theatre. I know that the play is said to be cursed. Anybody know the whole story behind it?

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 7:29pm

Did you see The Simpsons do a riff on this superstition when Ian McKellan guested on the episode where they went to London? GENIUS.

[beacon1]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 7:42pm

What play is that? Is it the musical I'm thinking of? Or a Shakespearean Work?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 7:49pm

Shakespeare's MACBETH is thought to be cursed and is often referred to as "The Scottish Play".

There IS a great deal of calamity associated with the play, but here's why:

It is set in Scotland and that often results in sets that are multi-leveled and fog-ridden. Accidents occur frequently.

The play requires sword fighting. Accidents occur frequently.

The play features witches and special effects. Accidents occur frequently.

The play is moody and requires dim lighting. Accidents occur frequently.

The play often has lighted candles on stage. Accidents occur frequently.

Actually, the historic Macbeth wasn't such a villain. He did indeed kill Duncan, but it was on a battlefield. He reigned for about 14 years, but Shakepeare makes it seem like a few months.

There will be a quiz tomorrow. Class dismissed.

Updated On: 2/21/04 at 07:49 PM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 7:56pm

I visited Glamis Castle once. Really nice place to spend a few hours.

[Musetta1957]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 7:59pm

An excellent reasoning behind its supposed bad luck...
urbandlegends.com

[beacon1]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 9:00pm

My favorite line has always been Lady M's:
"Who would have thought that the old man would have had so much blood in him." (or something close to that.)

My English professor got a kick out of my choice of quote. :o)

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/21/04 at 9:43pm

I'm planning my summer trip and it'll be a MACBETH tour of Scotland. Many of the places mentioned in Shakepeare's play still exist. I'm trying to book lodging in the Birnam Wood House. For those who are interested, the Scone Stone (the stone Macbeth stood on when he became king) is still extant in Edinbough, and Macbeth and his wife--who had a first name like Gunirra--are buried on the Isle of Iona.

[beacon1]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 11:34am

I'm jealous Dollypop. I've always wanted to visit the British Isles--have gobs of genealogy research I could do there! :o)

[TheGirlinTheFrock]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 4:00pm

I heard it was the last play performed before the Globe Theatre collapsed (and rebuilt). Any truth to that?

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 4:07pm

I love Britain. I've been to good old Stratford upon Avon, the New Globe Theatre in London, and I got to sing in front of Shakespeare's grave. It was a great experience. The pastor at Holy Trinity was very VERY enthusiastic and friendly. Are you going to catch any shows in Britain DP?

[Sally]

Posted: 2/22/04 at 8:59pm

"I'm planning my summer trip and it'll be a MACBETH tour of Scotland. Many of the places mentioned in Shakepeare's play still exist. I'm trying to book lodging in the Birnam Wood House. For those who are interested, the Scone Stone (the stone Macbeth stood on when he became king) is still extant in Edinbough..."


---Sounds great. Keep your fingers crossed that there isn't an unanticipated Brit coronation. Theoretically. the Scots are supposed to send the stone back to Westminster Abby if it's needed for a coronation. Birnam Wood and high Dunsinane hill should be safely in place no matter what happens with the disfunctional Royals.