Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2005 09:49:13 -0700
To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org
From: Steve Axtell <steve-AT-axtell.com>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Break A String


I thought "break a leg" meant to go out there and
give it your best - all your effort. Try to break
your leg.  That was my intention with "Break a
string".   However, it's a futile wish since I
don't think they use marionettes anyway.  So....break a hand.

Ax


At 08:58 AM 9/12/2005, you wrote:
>On Sep 10, 2005, at 3:42 PM, Steve Axtell wrote:
> >>>Kirk - Best to your pilot results!  Break a string!<<<
>
>Most thespians identify with the term "Break A Leg" as a superstitious
>way of saying "good luck", believing that to plainly wish "good luck"
>will possibly bring bad luck or misfortune. But the actual meaning and
>history of the tradition is much more intersting than simple superstition.
>
>As we all know a "leg" in technical theatre lingo is a verticle masking
>proscenium stage set element that usually masks offstage left and right
>wing area from the onstage performce area. "Breaking A Leg" is the
>literal action of stepping from the wings (off stage) into the on stage
>performance area. The term is an encouraging wish that the actor has a
>good start on first entrance. More of a "good performance" wish than a
>"good luck" wish.
>
>So my question is, does "break a string" have a similar puppetry history
>beyond imitating the live actor "break a leg" superstition?
>
>inquiring minds want to...
>
>
>Michael John Moynihan
>        Visual/Performing/Media Artist & Educator
>~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
>
>
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Steve Axtell / Axtell Expressions, Inc.   805 642-7282
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