In this episode, hosts Jen, Ashley, and Olivia delve into the mysterious and spooky history of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, often referred to as 'The Scottish Play' due to its infamous curse. The program begins with a listener discretion warning due to descriptions of violence. The trio, dressed in eclectic outfits inspired by theater green rooms, discuss the history and superstitions surrounding the play, its historical context, and notable accidents and strange occurrences that have plagued its productions. They explore the potential origins of the curse, including King James I’s demonology and his obsession with witch hunts, touching on the connections to historical witch trials. Additionally, they cite numerous instances of accidents and tragedies linked to Macbeth performances and speculate whether the curse is rooted in superstition, psychological self-fulfillment, or deeper moral and cosmic disturbances. The episode wraps up with a detailed recount of the play's plot, adaptations, famous portrayals, and the rituals used to dispel the supposed curse. Words of caution for those who dare to mention 'Macbeth' in a theater, as the hosts highlight the lingering power of stories in the world of theater.   00:00 Listener Discretion Advised   00:15 Meet the Hosts   00:49 Housekeeping and Outfits   03:29 The Scottish Play: Macbeth   07:38 The Curse of Macbeth   14:51 King James and Witchcraft   37:17 Synopsis of Macbeth   40:37 Famous Adaptations of Macbeth   45:45 Sleep No More: An Immersive Experience   50:13 Famous Actors Who Played Macbeth   51:06 Origins of the Macbeth Curse   52:08 Famous Instances of the Macbeth Curse   53:03 The Astor Place Riot   54:51 The Old Vic Production and Other Accidents   57:16 Modern Productions and the Curse   01:07:04 The Curse in Popular Culture   01:09:52 Debunking the Curse   01:23:50 Theater Superstitions and Traditions   01:25:32 Upcoming Episode Teaser: The Grift of Degraf