La Scala Enforces Dress Code: A Clash of Tradition and Modernity

In a move to preserve the elegance of opera while appealing to a contemporary audience, Teatro alla Scala, Milan's storied opera house, is enforcing a strict dress code this summer, as patron attire evolves.

As the world of opera shifts, Teatro alla Scala, affectionately known as La Scala, is making headlines with its decision to enforce a rigid dress code for visitors this summer. Known for its rich history and prestigious performances, the opera house is now reminding attendees to wear clothing "in keeping with the decorum of the theater." This includes a prohibition on flip-flops, tank tops, and shorts, with the policy clearly stated on tickets and signage throughout the venue.

Paolo Besana, a representative from La Scala, emphasizes the necessity of establishing some minimum rules to ensure that no one is unfairly excluded from the experience. “To broaden our audience, we must maintain some standards,” Besana noted in an email.

This strict dress code comes as several European opera houses grapple with a delicate balance between tradition and modern expectations of attire. While many venues have relaxed their dress codes over recent years, La Scala is cautious, believing that dressing appropriately contributes to the overall ambiance.

John Allison, editor of Opera With Opera News, believes that for many attendees, an opera outing should still feel special, regardless of their choice of clothing. He shared, “For those who attend occasionally, the opera is inherently an occasion, regardless of whether they choose jeans or a suit.”

Contrastingly, some critics view the emphasis on attire as overblown, asserting that the primary focus should be the artistic performance itself. Andrew Mellor, a notable critic, articulated this sentiment, stating, “The only clothes that matter in any opera house or theater are the ones on the stage.”

As La Scala navigates this evolving cultural landscape, it remains to be seen how firmly its patrons will adhere to these sartorial expectations while continuing to embrace the art form.