Orchestra strike throws revival of Rome Opera House into turmoil

The Rome Opera House is at risk of liquidation
The Rome Opera House is at risk of liquidation
CLAUDIO PERI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

It was the moment Italy’s dysfunctional politics came up against some of its most revered culture — and politics won.

The upshot is that when Puccini’s opera La bohème is staged this evening against the spectacular backdrop of the ancient Baths of Caracalla in Rome, it will be without an orchestra — for the third time — because the players are on strike.

In their place will be a single piano, and operagoers will be entitled to a refund of their tickets.

Not only has the industrial action damaged the image of one of Italy’s most iconic cultural traditions, it is also threatening the survival of the Rome Opera House. Board members of the firm, which opened in 1880 and normally operates from a 1,600-seat