Amherst Bee

THEATER SUPERSTITION

"BREAK A LEG"

Not literally, Uncle Woody.

It is considered bad luck to wish someone good luck in a theater.

In English-speaking countries, the expression "break a leg" replaces the phrase "good luck", which is considered unlucky. The expression is sometimes used outside the theatre, as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use. If someone says "good luck", they must go out of the theatre, turn around 3 times, spit, curse, then knock on the door and ask to be readmitted to the theatre.

The exact origin of this expression is unknown. One theory is that "Break A Leg" is a very old military term for "taking a knee", or bending down to one knee and breaking the line of the leg. In the theatre it is a reference to "taking a bow". To wish someone to "Break A Leg" is to ask them to give the best performance they are capable so that they may deserve to take a bow at performance end -- or, to "Break A Leg".

This expression has so entered the mainstream that it is used by non-actors toward actors and in non-theatrical situations, however, to say "break a leg" in ballet is considered just as much bad luck as saying "good luck", considering it's a physical art.

By Katherine Wutz

Artistic Director Matthew LaChiusa describes A.R.T. as being a different sort of theater company, committed to bringing the art of theater into the 21st century.

"I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel," LaChiusa said. However, he is trying to incorporate modern elements such as multimedia and nontraditional settings into the theater in order to reach a modern audience whose collective attention span has been shortened.

For example, "Superhero Blues" is set in a bar, but rather than performing it on a traditional stage, it will be shown at the bar at the Town Ballroom. LaChiusa hopes this will create a more interactive and sensory audience experience.

As far as a permanent location for A.R.T., LaChiusa said he is presently maximizing what the city offers, whether it is Rust Belt Books or a space that allows for a presentation to be held. "We have plans in the making to find a permanent space," he said.

Still, despite its unique approach, LaChiusa said the company retains the traditional "passion for the good story that needs to be told."

Another facet of A.R.T.'s repertoire is the Community Dialogue Series. These programs bring in a guest panel to talk about community issues or issues pertaining to the current play, interacting with the audience to create a forum for discussion.

"Theater has always been a focal point for people to gather to gain information and news," LaChiusa said. "Our dialogue programs won't have someone standing in front of a group of people talking to them. We will have community leaders engaging our guests in conversation using a more informal approach."

LaChiusa hopes this program will help the community form a "vested interest," not only in A.R.T. but in the arts in Buffalo and Western New York as a whole. He looks to host these programs three to four times a season.

"I've always loved Western New York," LaChiusa said. "It assets are tremendous, but the culture is so untapped here."

LaChiusa grew up in Chautauqua County, but only moved back to the area seven years ago after living in Louisiana for a time. Shortly afterward, he formed A.R.T., which was incorporated in January 2007.

LaChiusa's A.R.T. makes WNY debut

By Katherine Wutz