When certain events seem to occur without any apparent logical explanation, this is often attributed to superstition. In theater, there seem to be known unwritten rules regarding actions or utterances of specific phrases that are considered dangerous or will bring bad luck to a theater venue, and thus these actions or phrases are strongly avoided. Common things like whistling (backstage) or giving flowers before a performance, which seems like a good idea, to never saying good luck, but instead breaking a leg, are all superstitions infamous theatrical performances. Ranging from small theatrical superstitions to the most well-known, theatrical superstitions are everywhere. Whether any of these superstitions are true or not, avoiding these "cursed" actions or phrases is typical and expected in theater, as they may very well make or break a performance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Among the most memorable and popular superstitions is the ghost light. A ghost light is just a single bulb without a shade, which illuminates the stage, and it should honor and respect all ghosts or spirits that inhabit the theater. Although it is primarily to honor the spirits that roam the theater halls, it also serves as a light so that ghosts can perform at night as well. “Many theaters have ghosts, according to the theater's resident staff...and some insist that to ward off unlucky spirits, there must always be a 'ghost light' illuminating the stage when not in use. If the scene is dark, according to superstition, ghosts can run free. (Luis Cantron). This is due to theaters reporting that spirits are present inside, and thus missing props, hearing "unwanted visitors" and other far-fetched coincidences cause actors or stage managers to to believe that it could be the work of old souls who died or worked inside. the theater, and that the ghost light will keep them at bay. However, more realistically, leaving the ghost light on is a courtesy to the actors or any stage technician, so that whoever is on set first or last will not run into props or elaborate scenery , and won't break a leg. When we think of theater in general, the adage “break a leg” may come to mind. This is because saying good luck to an actor is considered bad luck; The resident theater staff believes that through someone saying good luck, there is a belief that the show will do good, and therefore, you prepare yourself for something bad to happen in the middle of your production. It is said that, like ghost light, saying "break a leg" will confuse ghosts who want to meddle with your production, and wishing something harmful, like someone breaking their leg, will result in a good show . Some countries even have their own version of “breaking a leg.” In Australia, the word "chookas" is used instead of "break a leg". The expression is strictly Australian, as it is not used much elsewhere. All this to avoid saying the words good luck, so as not to harm the success of a performance. Also, breaking a leg does not refer to breaking a leg. "The widely accepted explanation is that the 'leg' in question is not the human appendix, but rather the curtain that hangs behind the scenes, obscuring the wings." (Robinson). At the end of,.