La Fenice Theater Workers Demand Revocation of New Musical Director Appointment
Venice,Italy – A unified front of 300 workers at the La Fenice Theater in Venice,including the 90 members of the orchestra who initially voiced their concerns,have overwhelmingly voted for a statement demanding the immediate revocation of Beatrice Venezi’s appointment as musical director. The vote transforms the initial protest into a widespread revolt, with workers declaring a state of “permanent agitation.”
The general assembly, held this morning, reaffirmed the orchestra’s position expressed yesterday adn cited concerns over the process and timing of Venezi’s appointment, alleging a lack of openness and comparative evaluation.
Workers are prepared to escalate their actions, announcing a commitment to all forms of union struggle, including potential strikes, events, and sit-ins, alongside planned public awareness campaigns through leaflets and initiatives in the coming weeks.
A central point of contention remains the perceived disparity between Venezi’s qualifications and those of previous, established musical directors who have led the La fenice orchestra. Workers believe the appointment is driven by political considerations rather than artistic merit.
The assembly concluded with a direct appeal to the Superintendent, the Board of Directors, and the Mayor of venice, urging them to “fully take their responsibilities” before the workers, the city, and the wider cultural community. The situation at La Fenice remains tense as the dispute over Venezi’s position unfolds.
Full Press Release Excerpt:
The workers’ press release emphasizes their “unanimous solidarity” with the orchestra’s initial statement and reiterates the demand for Venezi’s revocation,citing a process that “trampled on every principle of comparison and transparency.” The release also confirms the declaration of a state of permanent agitation and reserves the right to utilize all necessary union actions to defend the professionalism of the theater’s artists and uphold democratic management practices. It further stresses the perceived lack of comparability between Venezi’s curriculum vitae and those of her predecessors on the La Fenice podium.
