Strikes disrupt Italian theater productions

Strikes are escalating across Italian theaters, with multiple productions affected by labor disputes. In Milan, the opera Faust was canceled due to a strike, while in Novara, Turandot was performed without sets due to a strike at the Teatro Sociale in Como, which was a co-producer of the show.

Venice opera faces strike threat

In Venice, the opera Fedora is at risk of being impacted by strikes at La Fenice, where unions have announced two days of strikes that could threaten the opening of the lyric and symphonic seasons. The first strike could occur as early as November 13, during the new production of Fedora directed by Hugo de Ana and conducted by Donato Renzetti, with Maria Agresta and Vincenzo Costanzo.

Strike notice filed after failed talks

The notice for the strikes was filed on October 14 after several unproductive meetings, and the situation had been building for some time. Unions have condemned a failing work organization and a lack of recognition of qualifications. The tour in China has exacerbated the situation, with travel allowances and preparation conditions for Tosca in Shanghai at the center of the grievances.

Failed attempt to stop strikes

On October 16, a final attempt to halt the movement failed due to a lack of agreement on resuming negotiations. The superintendent Nicola Colabianchi, still in Shanghai, postponed discussions until his return. Venice is not an isolated case. On October 20, a strike by employees of La Scala caused the premiere of Faust to be canceled.

More strikes planned nationwide

On October 23, at the Teatro Coccia in Novara, Turandot had to fall back on a concert version due to the absence of technicians from the Teatro Sociale in Como, who were also on strike. A national strike is expected on October 27 to bring together permanent theater employees, artists, and technicians engaged on a per-performance basis, following the failure of negotiations with Federvivo on the renewal of collective agreements.

Diverse demands and spreading unrest

The demands vary from one theater to another, and there is no indication of an orchestrated contagion. However, from Milan to Venice, the unease is spreading. At La Fenice, which gets its name from the phoenix rising from its ashes, they hope that dialogue will resume before the curtain also refuses to rise.