The origin of this superstition is not entirely clear, but there are several theories and stories associated with it. One theory suggests that it originated in the 17th century, during the time of Shakespeare's career. It was believed that witches and evil spirits were drawn to the theatre, and saying the name "Macbeth" aloud would summon them and bring misfortune.
Another theory is based on an incident that occurred during a performance of the play in the early 1900s. During one production, a lead actor suddenly collapsed and died while performing the role of Macbeth. This event further solidified the superstition and made people believe that the play was cursed.
Over the years, many actors, theatre professionals, and even audiences have avoided mentioning the name "Macbeth" within the walls of a theatre, referring to it instead as "the Scottish play" or other nicknames to avoid potential bad luck.
While there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that saying the name of the play causes misfortune, the superstition persists due to the combination of historical events, superstitions, and theatrical anecdotes that have contributed to its longevity.