Milan - Event

An ancient arena is re-created at Milan's MediolanumForum for the production of Ben Hur Live. The show, which took 15 years in the making and coincides with the 50-year anniversary of the film, features over 400 performers and 100 animals.

A spectacle of light, sound, water, wind and pyrotechnic effects, the show is based on the novel, Ben Hur - a Tale of Christ, by Lew Wallace. It tells the story of the life and destiny of the Jewish prince Judah Ben Hur at the beginning of the 1st century. The soundtrack is created by Hollywood composer Klaus Badelt and the 400 performers as well as animals including horses, camels, donkeys, chickens, falcons and eagles.

The highlight of the production is the famous chariot scene, where five quadrigas compete in a neck-and-neck race around the arena floor. The thoroughbred horses - the stars of the scene - have gone through 12 months of intensive training.

Premièring in London in September, the show then tours Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Hungary, France and Spain.