Rome - Opera-lovers are mourning the end of an era: La Scala has abolished its standing-room-only balconies, traditional home to fans whose catcalls or cheers could dictate a show's fate, Rory Carroll reports.
Protesters are holding candle-lit vigils and collecting signatures outside the Milan theatre to try to save a feature that terrified some performers. Administrators said the rear of the plush gilt balconies on the first and second floors violated safety codes. Into these loggione 200 poor but ardent fans used to squeeze for the equivalent of £4.60 each. Seat prices at La Scala range from £24 to £1,300.