La Scala's Ceasefire Message: Art Meets Politics Amid Gaza Conflict

Teatro alla Scala displays a message of peace amid Gaza conflict controversy. Milan, Italy – A powerful message of peace was projected onto the stage of Teatro alla Scala in Milan before a performance of Wagner's Siegfried. The words "Cessate il fuoco" (Ceasefire) were displayed, followed by a quote from Verdi's Simon Boccanegra: "E vo gridando: pace! E vo gridando: amor!" (And I cry out: peace! And I cry out: love!). This action comes after a week of controversy surrounding the dismissal of a supernumerary who had protested the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The supernumerary, a 22-year-old student, was reportedly dismissed for shouting "Palestina libera" (Free Palestine) from the theater's gallery. A union, CUB, defended her actions and organized a protest outside the theater. The Scala's superintendent, Fortunato Ortombina, explained that the theater's decision to project the peace message was a response to the violence in Gaza and was made in collaboration with the CGIL union. While some criticize the omission of the words "Gaza" and "Palestine" in the message, the theater has promised a future fundraising campaign for Gaza. The incident highlights the intersection of art, politics, and social activism, sparking debate about the role of cultural institutions in addressing global conflicts.