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Four Theatre Superstitions, Turned To Traditions
There's no denying it, theatre folk are a superstitious bunch!
La Boite shares four theatre superstitions, where they originated from, and how they've become traditions to this day.
1. The Ghost Light is always left on
The superstition of leaving a theatre’s Ghost Light on stems from a simple safety measure! A Ghost Light is a small bulb, that shines across the dark stage when the theatre is closed. At the end of the night, someone will turn on the light for late workers so they can see where they’re going, given stages have many crevices and set-up equipment, including the orchestra pit.
BUT, that's not where the story ends...
Almost every theatre is said to be haunted by a ghost or supernatural being. Many superstitious folk say the tradition of leaving the light on started to ward off unwanted spirits in the theatre.
The origin of this superstition is unknown, with some claiming the Ghost Light is used for protection from 'restless ghosts' that wreak havoc, while others claim that ghosts will haunt cast members and bad luck will befall on the production. Whether you're a believer or not, leaving on the Ghost Light has been a tradition in the theatre for centuries, and continues to this day.
2. No one whistles backstage
Before the wonderful world of technology and advanced machinery, theatre companies employed theatrical fly systems made of rope and counter weights, to lift a production’s scenery or props into place.
The fly systems date back to the 1600’s, handled by backstage crewmen that would physically hoist items into the air. To do so safely, a combination of whistles were used as a cue to manually lift scenery into the air with ropes.
An actor who whistled backstage ran the risk of accidentally cueing stagehands to move, lift or drop scenery or props, which proved dangerous, and potentially life-threatening, for cast and crew that may be unaware of roaming items. To avoid creatives becoming the next 'theatre ghost', whistling was avoided altogether.
Decades later, it remains a tradition - with many deeming it an 'unlucky omen' for the performers and production.
3. Mirrors and peacock feathers are replaced as props
Did you know that mirrors and peacock feathers are often not used for props? While this superstition is less apparent in modern times, these two items are known to be 'bad luck' on stage.
The mirror superstition is a simple one - a mirror can easily reflect lighting and become a distraction or annoyance for audience members. However, the peacock feather is a bit more interesting...
A peacock feather's design is commonly said to resemble an 'evil eye', and while producers tend to ignore this omen, it's said to bring bad luck in the form of technical difficulties, forgotten lines and falling props or scenery.
4. A theatre is never 'closed'
Last but definitely not least, a theatre is never closed...
It's considered to be a bad omen to say a theatre is 'closed', as superstitious folk will say that this means the theatre will never reopen! When a theatre closes for the night, it is said to be 'Dark' rather than 'Closed'.
La Boite is only dark, and will only be dark, until beautiful, provocative and meaningful art can be created once again.
Whether you're new to the performing arts or a seasoned patron, it's smart to be in touch with the 'do's and don'ts' of the theatre! Believe it or not, the theatre is abundant with superstitions and traditions - so keep an eye out for more on La Boite's website and social channels.