Ben Hur live takes Rome 2000 years back

Chariot races and gladiators fights come back to life in Ben Hur Live, the 2009 musical which, after a lengthy tour across Europe and overseas, has arrived in the city of Rome.Audiences will experience the thrill of the tale of love and vengeance set more than 2,000 years ago and based on the novel written by Lew Wallace in 1880, which already inspired the Oscar-winning 1959 film starring Charlton Heston.With the use of dramatic chariot races, fierce gladiators played by more than 200 performers and using tens of animals throughout the show, Ben Hur Live has been considered one of the main musical spectacles of the past years.The story is based on a myth about a Jewish prince, Judah Ben Hur, who was wrongly condemned to the galley for killing the Roman Governor and only survived with the thought of revenge until he meets Jesus and decides to forgive. Ben Hur then regains his strength through his love for slave Esther and the strong family ties of Jewish family Hur.Altogether the production is the culmination of more than 15 years work by producer Franz Abraham. Abraham was responsible for the open air staging of Aida, Carmen and Carmina Burana.The script was written by Shaun McKenna, who is known for his musical version of Tolkiens Lord of the Rings.According to the shows website, around six million euros have been invested in the show.The tour already reached 20 European cities including Milan, Lisbon and Paris.