"Ring the curtain" is an idiomatic expression which refers to the action of initiating or signaling the start or end of a theatrical performance by sounding a bell or ringing an audible signal. It is a phrase commonly used in the context of theater, particularly during plays, operas, or other live performances.
In the traditional theater setting, a stage curtain, usually made of heavy fabric, is used to separate the performance area from the audience. The ringing of a bell or the sounding of a signal, often done by a stage manager or a designated technician, indicates that the curtain should be raised or lowered. This auditory cue helps ensure the synchronicity between the actors and the technical crew, allowing the performance to begin or conclude smoothly.
The phrase "ring the curtain" has its roots in the historical practice of using a bell to communicate with theater personnel backstage. As modern technology has advanced, bells have been replaced with electronic sound cues or digital systems, but the phrase has endured.
Metaphorically, the expression "ring the curtain" can also be used to describe the start or end of any event or situation, not just theater performances. It denotes the moment of transition, typically marked by an audible signal, where one phase or chapter comes to a close, making way for the next one to begin.
