Audience shouts ’shame’ as La Scala performers don street clothes in labor protest

La Scala performers protest working rules abroad

MILAN — La Scala opera house says some performers and musicians appeared in casual street clothes for the last performance of “Carmen,” conducted by Daniel Barenboim, in a labor protest.

Italian media say the audience shouted “shame” in reaction.

La Scala spokesman Carlo Maria Cella said Monday that management will meet this week with unions to discuss the dispute. He says the orchestra and chorus are seeking extra pay and clearer work rules for working abroad.

The performers cited a rehearsal in Paris that went six minutes overtime and the conductor’s request to redo sections during a general rehearsal in Tokyo.

Cella says some performers and musicians— but not the lead singers — showed up in street clothes for final performance of “Carmen” last month.