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 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.

FEELING MYSTIC?

Premier Screening of the Documentary

They say every theatre has a resident ghost, and from the time of Shakespeare, believers would leave a lone candle-or later a bare lightbulb-burning on stage after the last performance to ward off malicious spirits. This "ghostlight" lends its name to a new documentary to be featured in a variety of settings in the 2009 Buffalo Infringement Festival.

Filmmakers (L to R) Robert Kupczyk & Matthew LaChiusa

The 90-minute documentary, produced by local filmmakers Matthew and Thomas LaChiusa and Robert Kupczyk (Pictured Left) explores the legends, histories and folklore of six Buffalo-area theaters rumored to be haunted and examines both first-hand and passed-down ghost stories told by theater personnel familiar with the performance sites.

The film includes interviews with CFI investigator Joe Nickell, local supernatural historian Mason Winfield, amateur paranormal groups Erie County Ghost Hunters and Niagara Falls Paranormal, and self-professed psychics who "read" the stages, backstages, general seating areas, and the dark cellar spaces where the public eye rarely falls.

HALLOWEEN SHOWINGS

In the spirit of the holiday!

Cornell Cooperative Building

21 S. Grove Street, East Aurora

October 21st, 7 PM

For more info call 655-6663

or visit www.masonwinfield.com

Q & A with Filmmakers Afterwards

Admission: Suggested Donation of $ 10

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North Tonanwanda Historical Museum

Lumber City Historical Center

54-60 Webster Street, North Tonanwanda

October 29th, 7 PM

For more information call 213-0554

or visit www.nthistorymuseum.org

Admission: $ 10 General/$ 5 Seniors & Folks in Costumes

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The mission of the American Repertory Theater is two fold. First, the mandate of The American Repertory Theater is to produce both classic and contemporary theatrical works and support a new generation of playwrights. These productions are purposefully created through the innovative exploration of these selected works, thereby enhancing the cultural and intellectual experience of the theatergoer. Second, the American Repertory Theater will serve as a catalyst for community dialogue and action that will result in sustained economic growth and increase the collaboration within all sectors of our community.

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