Overview
- Unions and the RSU formally called a strike for Friday, October 17, the night scheduled for Alban Berg’s Wozzeck, leading to the cancellation of the premiere.
- Theatre leadership and Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro reaffirmed support for the choice of 35-year-old Beatrice Venezi and rejected revoking the appointment.
- Venezi was unanimously named by the theatre’s foundation on September 22 and is slated to begin as musical director in October 2026 with a mandate through March 2030.
- Union representatives say their objections are based on professional criteria and the appointment process, and they deny accusations of sexism raised by the superintendent.
- A public assembly is set for October 17 at 18:00, and management argues the strike harms the audience as the standoff risks further reputational and programming fallout.