131 Read the text about theatre superstitions. Some words are missing. Complete the text by writing an appropriate word for each gap (1–15). Write only one word in each space provided. The first one (0) has been done for you. LANGUAGE IN USE 22 Stage frights and bizarre beliefs Actors are known for being a superstitious bunch. That’s why there are a few things you should bear in (0) if you ever find yourself in a theatre. For example, actors believe that saying ‘good luck’ actually brings (1) luck. So make sure to always say ‘break a leg’ (2) . Also, peacock feathers are a no-go on stage as their pattern is (3) to look like the ‘evil eye’, cursing the performance. And then there’s the ghost light – a single light left onstage overnight to (4) ghosts away (and, more practically, to stop people from tripping in the dark). Some of these superstitions, however, have sensible, rational (5) . For example, it’s easy to understand why (6) are banned from the stage. They can reflect stage lights and (7) visual problems or distract the audience. It’s also clear why no whistling is (8) backstage. In the old days, stage workers would whistle each other to signal scene changes, so a random whistle could lead to a heavy piece of scenery being dropped by (9) ! And (10) about one of the most famous superstitions of all? Actors must never speak the name of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth inside a theatre. It is supposedly cursed, so they always call it ‘the Scottish play’. Pure superstition? As it (11) out, there are actually a few good reasons (12) this play, in particular, developed a reputation for (13) cursed. First of all, the history of its performances is riddled with mishaps, from actors falling off the stage to mysterious deaths. But there’s more: Macbeth was (and still is) a popular play that many people wanted to see, so it was (14) to bring in money quickly. If a theatre suddenly announced a production of Macbeth, it might have meant that the theatre was struggling financially – which helps explain why the play became associated with bad luck in the theatre world. But what if you accidentally say the name of the-play-that-must-not-be-named? Don’t panic, there’s a way to break the curse. Just (15) the theatre, spin around three times, spit and curse loudly. Then knock on the theatre door to be allowed back in! 0 mind 8 1 9 2 10 3 11 4 12 5 13 6 14 7 15 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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