The Teatro La Fenice’s management has denied the theater’s workers’ representatives an opportunity to read a brief statement before the inauguration of the 2025-26 season on Nov. 20.

The La Fenice Theatre Union informed the public and the press in a statement and called the action “another sign of an increasingly closed, authoritarian management structure impervious to dialogue.”

The union also noted in a press release that they “consider it unacceptable that workers are prevented from even addressing a few respectful and necessary words to their audiences.”

The union noted that in consideration of the audience, the workers chose to continue with the performance, not call a strike. “This decision demonstrates the strong sense of responsibility of those who, every day, professionally ensure the artistic life of the Theater.”

However, the union noted that the workers of the Teatro La Fenice will meet the public, the press, and the public at 6:20 p.m. in Campo San Fantin, where the statement prepared for the start of the performance will be read.

Since Beatrice Venezi was named the new Music Director, the workers of the Teatro La Fenice have called for a permanent strike and have been supported by all the major opera houses in Italy, as well as subscribers. According to the workers, Venezi has never conducted at the Teatro La Fenice, and the appointment was made without any transparency. The house has seen the cancellation of performances, flyers thrown throughout performances, and protests throughout the city of Venice.

The Teatro La Fenice will open with a new production of “La Clemenza di Tito” and will be streamed on the radio on Rai Radio 3.

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