The show goes on at La Scala despite Italy’s woes

Anti-austerity protesters made their voices heard as Italy’s world-famous La Scala theatre staged its season premiere.

“We won’t pay for the crisis” they cried in Milan as new Prime Minister Mario Monti arrived for the gala performance.

Well-wishers also greeted him and President Giorgio Napolitano as they made their way to the best seats in the house. But away from the opulence and orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim, many are angry at the political elite over Italy’s precarious position in the euro zone debt crisis.

Inside the opera house, the wealthy, powerful and famous were treated to Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni.’

Despite Italian hardships it seems, the show must go on.

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