La Fenice unions target November opening nights with strikes

Unions at Venice’s Teatro La Fenice have announced strikes for November 13 and November 28, targeting the opening nights of the theatre’s opera and symphonic seasons.

The notice was sent to management by Slc-Cgil, Fistel-Cisl, Uilfpc-Uil and Fials following a workers’ general assembly on October 9 and a subsequent meeting with the theatre’s leadership on October 13.

Staff representatives say longstanding concerns remain unresolved. Their complaints cover industrial relations, the organisation of work, management’s response to issues raised by employees and recognition of the theatre’s professional workforce. These are the unions’ stated reasons for taking action; the announcement does not itself establish that the performances have been cancelled.

Arrangements for the theatre’s Shanghai tour feature prominently in the dispute. Union representatives criticise the proposed travel allowance and say management’s response was inadequate despite an extraordinary contribution from Venice’s municipality. They also question whether alternative partnerships and sponsorship could have improved the financial terms offered to staff.

The November 13 opening is currently billed as a new production of Umberto Giordano’s Fedora, conducted by Donato Renzetti, with direction, sets and costumes by Hugo de Ana. Maria Agresta and Vincenzo Costanzo are scheduled for the opening cast. The advertised run continues through November 22, with alternating casts on selected dates.

The two strike dates therefore concern particularly visible moments in La Fenice’s calendar, rather than an announced shutdown of the entire November programme. The status of subsequent performances should not be inferred from the opening-night notices.

For audiences travelling to Venice, the immediate issue is confirmation of individual performances. The unions’ announcement creates a risk of disruption, while any cancellation, replacement arrangement or ticket remedy will require a separate notice from the theatre. Further negotiations could also alter the position before the scheduled walkouts.