The cursed play Scene from William Shakespeare's Macbeth; chromolithograph by Robert Dudley, c.1858. Saying “Macbeth” in a theater might spell disaster! (more) 10 Superstitions and Traditions in Theater Written by Shatarupa Chaudhuri Shatarupa Chaudhuri is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica, bringing over 15 years of editorial experience in news media and publishing. Shatarupa Chaudhuri Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 19, 2026 •History “Macb...”—no, do not utter that name! Did you just step onto the stage with your right foot? Oh, and that empty seat—who says there’s no one in it? The world of thespians is dramatic—and not just when performing a play. It is filled with traditions and beliefs that might seem puzzling to outsiders but are taken seriously by many actors, directors, and stagehands. This is why you might receive a scowl if you bring them...

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