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Blaise
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Posted: Thu May 29th, 2008 08:17 pm |
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| I'm having a short play produced (first time) - I've been communicating with the director, and it's opening now and I'm wondering if I email her back and say "Good luck" on the night it opens, is that supposed to be bad luck or something?
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dramamama
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Posted: Thu May 29th, 2008 08:52 pm |
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Wishing someone good luck is indeed viewed as bad luck in theatre.
"Break a leg" is the saying of choice.
Soooooo---Break a leg with your production!
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Blaise
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Posted: Thu May 29th, 2008 08:54 pm |
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| Thank you for your help.
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Proboscisbunny
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Posted: Fri May 30th, 2008 12:45 pm |
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A lot of people think this is literal, said by the understudy "Break a leg so I can go on." But I was taught that it's in reference to the stage being built upon legs. "Break-a-leg" by pleasing the audience so much their applause brings down the house.
Anyone know for sure?
Much like not mentioning "The Scottish Play"...I was told it has less to do with bad luck and more to do with "back in the day". The crowds loved Macbeth so much you daren't say it in front of the producers for fear that they'd cancel your play and put that one up.
Personally I have no bad luck associated with Macbeth. I met my husband doing that play...I was Lennox and he was Ross. 12 1/2 years later we're still going strong.
Vanessa
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Shanahan
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Posted: Fri May 30th, 2008 03:14 pm |
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I'd heard that it's a bowing reference. That in elder times, rather than bending at the waist a proper bow was more like a curtsy, one leg "breaking"/bending. So in saying "break a leg," you were wishing them a good show for which they'd take a bow.
Possibly apocryphal, but it's the best I've got! :-)
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dramamama
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Posted: Fri May 30th, 2008 04:15 pm |
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| Hey, it works for me!
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leon
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Posted: Mon Jun 2nd, 2008 06:23 am |
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| Actually heard the expression was created in time of famine. The starving masses could hardly think of theatre, let alone having good luck with a play. To "break a leg" would result from someone gorging themselves so that the weight from the meal would actually be too much for his poor spindly legs, thus breaking them. A multiiple fracture would be pinnacle of fortuity. Yes, the resulting pain would be intense, but oh the pleasure of a full stomach!
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ggf
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Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 04:11 am |
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Well, I always thought that "break a leg" was just a euphemism for "good luck" because the best luck you can have as an understudy for a famous actor/actress is for that person to break a leg so that YOU get to go on.
Many a famous actor has indeed broken a bone when they "threw themselves" into the role. I think it was Meryl Streep, got carried away and broke an elbow.
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leon
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Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 06:14 am |
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ggf wrote: Well, I always thought that "break a leg" was just a euphemism for "good luck" because the best luck you can have as an understudy for a famous actor/actress is for that person to break a leg so that YOU get to go on.
Many a famous actor has indeed broken a bone when they "threw themselves" into the role. I think it was Meryl Streep, got carried away and broke an elbow.
and her nose.
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