CNN: In Ford’s Theater, Obama invokes forbidden word

[Pirate Smile]

In Ford’s Theater, Obama invokes forbidden word

WASHINGTON (CNN) — It’s a word so fraught with superstition, its very mention can send grown men ducking for cover — and President Obama used it Wednesday night.

Macbeth.

On a trip to Ford’s Theater, site of President Lincoln’s assassination, Obama paid tribute to the 16th president’s ability to recall passages of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth. And with that reference, he unwittingly ventured into what many theater hands believe to be dangerous territory: any mention of the name of the doomed Scottish king in a theater outside of a performance is considered verboten by many actors, who believe it will result in a cursed production — including a greater possibility of injury, bankruptcy, even death.

So does Obama have anything to fear from uttering the unluckiest word in what may be the unluckiest theater in American history? Theater-goers can relax: Many stage afficianados believe that the prohibition only applies to performers or theater hands, and non-actors have nothing to worry about.

But in the near future, the president might want to stick to movies. Just to be on the safe side.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/02/12/in-ford%e2%80%99s-theater-obama-invokes-forbidden-word/

:shrug:

[MorningGlow]

1. As long as he didn't whistle while backstage

He should be all right. :eyes:

[slackmaster]

2. As it was explained to me, the superstition about uttering the word Macbeth in a theater...

Applies only to actors.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

4. True. Actors call it "The Scottish Play". nt

[eShirl]

14. apparently it's a very old tradition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enmztm9uMzQ

(yes, that's Hugh Laurie as King George IV)

[Hell Hath No Fury]

3. Wow!

That is a biggie in theatre lore -- never ever ever to be done.

Obama, fearlessly going where others dare not! :D

[Malikshah]

5. Obama and all need to see this as a reminder!!!

:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukqzcC_jf_0

It's less than two minutes, but oh, what a great two minutes-- plus Hugh Laurie!!!!

[eShirl]

15. oops

that's what I get for posting before reading all replies

[Malikshah]

22. no harm no foul-- You're as brilliant as the rest of us who immediately

go to the Black Adder reference.

We're stalking the land with our brilliance like...two...great...stalking things.... ;)

[Arugula Latte]

6. Harry Potter ain't afraid to say "Voldemort."

Just sayin'. :)

[jsamuel]

8. It also led him and his friends into a lot of trouble near the end.

[Arugula Latte]

10. Ooops ... I haven't gotten that far in the series.

:rofl:

[peace13]

7. Oh my!

And, should we all stay home for Friday the thirteenth? We have two in a row ya know.

[Pirate Smile]

12. I'm not getting out of bed. I'm hiding under the covers all day.

:)

[tridim]

9. He has certainly been reading some Shakespeares.

[KittyWampus]

11. We've all been living in a Shakespeare play, it seems.

[MilesColtrane]

13. I thought you only were not supposed to say it backstage.

[Barack_America]

16. Wow. What silliness will they concoct to disparage Obama next? nt

[blogslut]

17. heehee

Break a leg, Mr. President. :)

[gauguin57]

18. Maybe to be on the safe side, he needs to go outside, turn around 3 times, and request readmittance.

That's how you rid yourself of the curse. I was forced to do just that during the run of a little community theater play ... when I said the name of the scottish play inside the theater.

Don't want any bad theater karma sticking to Obama.

[snooper2]

19. THIS IS HUGH!!!!!!!!

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

:rofl:

[Javaman]

20. When I was in college I was a theater tech....

I would casually mention Macbeth as many times as posssible in a conversation when talking to the actors.

It was always so amusing to watch them freak out.

I remember one time while hanging lights. I did a little jig on the stage singing, "macbeth, macbeth, macbeth". it was like I was satan. LOL

ahhh, good times.

[alcibiades_mystery]

21. I am in blood/ Stepped in so far that

Should I wade back now/ Returning were as tedious as go o'er.

:-)

[RaleighNCDUer]

23. Off subject - Is he the first president to visit Fords since Lincoln?

I know that for decades it was used as a warehouse, and then was closed completely, so for most of the time since 1865 there has been no reason for a president to go there.

Anybody know?