In the midst of a major (and controversial) renovation, Milan’s La Scala proposes a big expansion, including a series of new theatre spaces. “It is an odd time to propose an expansion, with budget deficits at the major opera houses and shrinking public funding for culture in Italy. And indeed, the motives behind the project may not be purely artistic. Local observers believe that La Scala is collaborating with real estate developers who seek to enrich themselves at the ultimate expense of taxpayers.”