<P> One version of this legend claims that it was the actor who played Lady Macbeth who died during the play's first production run and that Shakespeare himself had to assume the role . There is no evidence that this legend is factual . </P> <P> Generally, it is considered bad luck to wish someone "good luck" in a theatre . Prior to performances, it is traditional for the cast to gather together to avert the bad luck by wishing each other bad luck or cursing--in English - speaking countries, the expression "break a leg" replaces the phrase "good luck". The exact origin of this expression is unknown, but some of the most popular theories are the Shakespearean Theory or Traditional Theory, and the Bowing Theory . </P> <P> In Australian theatrical circles saying "good luck" is also avoided, but the replacement is often "chookas!" This may be due to the belief among some dancers that saying "break a leg" may actually result in broken bones . </P> <P> One should always leave a light burning in an empty theatre . </P>

The curse of macbeth and other theatrical superstitions