Is it forbidden to photograph during the show?
eh vyeh-TA-toh foh-toh-GRA-fa-reh doo-RAN-teh loh spet-TA-koh-loh.
Ask before the performance or confirm what you see in programme notes. Photography and recording during live performances is typically banned at Italian theatres.
È vietato means it is forbidden. Fotografare is the infinitive to photograph. Durante lo spettacolo means during the show. Using 'è vietato' rather than 'si può' frames this as a rule-question rather than a permission-question.
Posso fare foto prima che inizi?
Can I take photos before it starts?
Pre-show photos of the auditorium are usually permitted.
È vietato usare il cellulare?
Is it forbidden to use a mobile phone?
Mobile phones should be switched off or to silent.
Si possono registrare audio o video?
Can you make audio or video recordings?
Recording is almost universally banned at professional performances.
Copyright law in Italy strictly prohibits recording live performances without authorisation. Major Italian opera houses enforce this rigorously. In 2019, La Scala installed signal-blocking technology to prevent unauthorised recordings of world-premiere productions.