In order to uphold the elegance associated with its performances, Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s prestigious opera house, has announced increased enforcement of its dress code this summer. Patrons are now reminded to dress appropriately, with specific prohibitions against tank tops, flip-flops, and shorts via prominently displayed notices.
La Scala’s policy, clearly outlined on tickets, has sparked discussions among attendees about the balance between maintaining decorum and appealing to a younger audience. According to Paolo Besana, a representative for La Scala, "In order not to exclude anyone, it is necessary to establish some minimum rules."
The move comes amid a broader trend among European opera houses seeking to attract diverse and younger audiences while still preserving the essence of a traditional operatic experience. John Allison, editor of Opera With Opera News, remarked that while formal wear is less common than in the past, attending an opera can still be viewed as a special occasion, which may require dressing up, albeit with a flexible interpretation.
Conversely, some commentators like Andrew Mellor assert that the focus should be less on attire and more on the performance itself, indicating a divide over the significance of dress in such cultural spaces. La Scala aims to balance this complexity as it navigates the evolving expectations of opera-goers while preserving its historical identity.
As the summer season approaches, the challenge of crafting an experience that invites all while maintaining a certain decorum remains a hot topic within the arts community.
La Scala’s policy, clearly outlined on tickets, has sparked discussions among attendees about the balance between maintaining decorum and appealing to a younger audience. According to Paolo Besana, a representative for La Scala, "In order not to exclude anyone, it is necessary to establish some minimum rules."
The move comes amid a broader trend among European opera houses seeking to attract diverse and younger audiences while still preserving the essence of a traditional operatic experience. John Allison, editor of Opera With Opera News, remarked that while formal wear is less common than in the past, attending an opera can still be viewed as a special occasion, which may require dressing up, albeit with a flexible interpretation.
Conversely, some commentators like Andrew Mellor assert that the focus should be less on attire and more on the performance itself, indicating a divide over the significance of dress in such cultural spaces. La Scala aims to balance this complexity as it navigates the evolving expectations of opera-goers while preserving its historical identity.
As the summer season approaches, the challenge of crafting an experience that invites all while maintaining a certain decorum remains a hot topic within the arts community.
