La Scala strike cancels 'Boheme'

Dispute closes curtain on opening

By MICHAEL DAY

A strike at La Scala has forced the opera house to cancel Monday’s opening performance of Puccini’s “La Boheme,” produced by Franco Zeffirelli. Perfs on Wednesday and Friday have also been called off.

Opera unions are demanding pay hikes totaling e13 million ($20.3 million) over four years; management at the Milan opera house is offering $17.5 million with conditions.

Management said the strike — the third to hit La Scala in four years — would have “repercussions” on the pay negotiations.

Another eight performances of the opera are scheduled at La Scala this month.