Macbeth

◦   Where did this curse come from?

In 1604, Shakespeare lead the performance of Macbeth. It’s abundant presence of witchcraft and it is believed that at the time of the first performance, real witches were so angered because they heard that their spells were being used for entertainment, that they invoked a curse upon the play. Therefore, whenever anyone says Macbeth, it is said to be a curse.

◦   Which ones were the most shocking from the list of terrible things that happened during the performances of Macbeth?

I think that the Abraham Lincoln incident is most terrible because it shows that this curse didn’t only happen to joe-shmoes on the street – everyone was victimized. The fact that two deaths resulted from this curse is also shocking.

◦   If you had to avoid the curse, which strategy would you use?

I would use the common strategy and leave the room, turn around three times to the right, spit on the ground or over each shoulder, then knock on the door of the room and ask for permission to re-enter it. I think that it is creepy trying to “banish the evils” or use a quote from Hamlet, because they are not my own words.

◦   Do you believe that there is a curse?

No! I don’t believe in curses or anything like that, I think that everything happens for a reason and saying one thing will not lead to the fall down of events. I am superstitious, but I don’t believe in witchcraft.