La Scala, renowned for its rich history and grandeur, announced a renewed emphasis on its dress code this summer, explicitly prohibiting casual items such as flip-flops, tank tops, and shorts. Signs in the foyer remind guests to dress appropriately, and the enforcement comes after the venue observed a rise in underdressing among patrons.
According to Paolo Besana, La Scala’s spokesman, the initiative aims to maintain the theater's decorum while being inclusive. He stated, “In order not to exclude anyone, it is necessary to establish some minimum rules.” Patrons attempting to enter inappropriately dressed will be denied entry and not refunded, as per the updated policy printed on tickets.
This move reflects ongoing challenges faced by European opera houses, which strive to balance tradition with the need to engage younger audiences. Observers in the opera community have varied opinions on this topic. John Allison of Opera News noted that many attendees perceive opera as a special occasion deserving of a formal dress code, while some critics, like Andrew Mellor, argue that the focus should be more on the performers than on the audience's attire.
As La Scala embraces the summer season, its enforcement of a dress code seeks to uphold the sophistication of opera, suggesting that a well-dressed audience enhances the overall experience at this historic venue.
According to Paolo Besana, La Scala’s spokesman, the initiative aims to maintain the theater's decorum while being inclusive. He stated, “In order not to exclude anyone, it is necessary to establish some minimum rules.” Patrons attempting to enter inappropriately dressed will be denied entry and not refunded, as per the updated policy printed on tickets.
This move reflects ongoing challenges faced by European opera houses, which strive to balance tradition with the need to engage younger audiences. Observers in the opera community have varied opinions on this topic. John Allison of Opera News noted that many attendees perceive opera as a special occasion deserving of a formal dress code, while some critics, like Andrew Mellor, argue that the focus should be more on the performers than on the audience's attire.
As La Scala embraces the summer season, its enforcement of a dress code seeks to uphold the sophistication of opera, suggesting that a well-dressed audience enhances the overall experience at this historic venue.
