Report finds widespread abuse in women's pro soccer league
An independent investigation into the scandals that erupted in the National Women's Soccer League found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct…
FILE PHOTO A woman wearing a face mask checks her phone outside the Teatro alla Scala, closed by authorities due to a coronavirus outbreak, in Milan, Italy February 24, 2020. Photo by Flavio Lo Scalzo/Reuters
With performers infected, La Scala season premiere canceled
ROME (AP) — The Dec. 7 season premiere at Milan's La Scala opera house, a gala event that is one of Italy's cultural highlights, is being canceled after a rash of COVID-19 infections among musicians and chorus members.
The theater's board of directors concluded Wednesday that the status of the pandemic and Italy's virus-control measures, which include the closure of theaters, did not allow for "achieving a production open to the public and of the level and with the characteristics required" for the premiere.
"Lucia di Lammermoor" had been on the program for the season's opening. La Scala said the scheduled opening night performance and the shows set for the following days have been postponed.
READ MORE: At this Virginia theater, the show — and the masks — must go on
Politicians, business figures and other VIPs traditionally turn out for La Scala's season premiere, an official holiday in Milan.
The opera house reported a week ago that its entire orchestra had been told to quarantine after nine musicians tested positive for the coronavirus. The chorus was put under an earlier quarantine after 18 singers were confirmed to be infected.
A government decree issued last month to battle a surge in COVID-19 infections shut down Italy's theaters, cinemas and concert halls for a few weeks. Starting Thursday, Italian museums will also have to close their doors, at least until Dec. 2.
Support Canvas
Sustain our coverage of culture, arts and literature.
More Stories
Watch
Award-winning baker Bryan Ford on drawing from his Honduran roots
Bryan Ford catapulted to prominence during the pandemic's bread-making frenzy, inspiring millions online with innovative twists on sourdough bread, all…
Watch
A Brief But Spectacular take on generational healing
Tia Kennedy is an Indigenous rights activist in Canada. Growing up, she struggled to access Indigenous culture and practices. As…
Watch
Why a grandmother and grandson are visiting every U.S. national park
92-year-old Joy Ryan and her grandson Brad Ryan have spent the past seven years crisscrossing the U.S. with the goal…
Truman Capote's unhappy ending
Friday would have been Capote's 98th birthday, but he died a month shy of his 60th year, a victim to…
Watch
Ukrainian artists who cannot return home form new community in U.S.
The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine extends far beyond its borders. Days before the war started in…
Watch
Judy Woodruff honored with Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award
Our own Judy Woodruff was honored with the Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in Television News. She shared some words…
Coolio, rapper who won Grammy for 'Gangsta's Paradise,' dies at age 59
Coolio, the rapper who was among hip-hop's biggest names of the 1990s with hits including "Gangsta's Paradise" and "Fantastic Voyage,"…
Watch
Gurnah's latest novel 'Afterlives' explores effects of colonial rule in East Africa
Abdulrazak Gurnah is receiving worldwide attention after being awarded last year's Nobel Prize in Literature. His latest novel "Afterlives" is…
Watch
'Thomas and Friends' introduces Bruno the Brake Car, its first character with autism
In recent decades, producers of movies, TV series and other forms of art have been trying not only to reach…
Colombian pop singer Shakira to face trial over tax fraud in Spain
Spanish prosecutors accused the entertainer in 2018 of failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($13.9 million) in taxes on income…
Rihanna to headline next Super Bowl halftime show in February
Rihanna is set to star in February's Super Bowl halftime show. The singer, who declined to perform in the 2019…
Watch
Soccer pro Olivia Moultrie on the pursuit of goals
Olivia Moultrie started her professional soccer career at the age of 13. For our Weekend Spotlight, Geoff Bennett spoke with…
Watch
A look at the literary legacy of Hilary Mantel
Hilary Mantel died Thursday at age 70 near her home in Exeter, England. She authored 17 books, but it was…
Watch
WATCH: Elton John plays the White House lawn as part of farewell tour
Elton John said Friday that he'd played in some beautiful venues, but the stage in front of the White House,…