Venice mayor joins chorus against govt theater reform, says measures puts La Fenice at risk

Venice mayor says reform puts La Fenice at risk

MILAN — Venice’s mayor says new government reforms of the nation’s state-supported opera houses puts the lagoon city’s Teatro La Fenice at risk.

Musicians and singers at La Fenice are among the thousands striking nationwide against the emergency provisions that among other things limit successful opera houses’ ability to pay higher wages. The premiere of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” has been canceled Tuesday night.

Venice Mayor Giorgio Orsoni said in a statement after meeting with unions Sunday that “a civilized country can’t forget its own historic and cultural roots” and that the decree “risks butchering” La Fenice.

Orsoni said that there could be ways to rationalize costs “but without the harsh sacrifices foreseen in the decree.’