Ben Hur Live in Budapest

After a memorable world premiere in London last November and after the original Budapest show scheduled for last December was postponed, the Ben Hur Live show finally reached the capital of Hungary on its travels around Europe. On the 27th and 28th of February the Papp László Sportaréna will host the stage adaptation of Lew Wallace's novel, produced by Franz Abraham, with music and narration by Stewart Copeland (the founder of The Police), a show that is the result of fifteen years of planning and hard work.

With themes of reconciliation as its fundamental element, the tale of Ben Hur is one of love and war, set against disputes between Jews, Christians and Romans. The name Ben Hur reminds us of legedary actor Charlton Heston and of the grand scene of the chariot-race from a film that is still one of the most successful ever made – the monumental live show is a 21st century Circus Maximus: the 360 degree design offers the audience an exceptional proximity to the events in the center of the 2500 square meter arena.
With more than 100 animals and 400 participants from about 20 contries (among them actors, extras, dancers, acrobats, engineers, stage hands, logisticians, animal trainers, costume tailors, propmen) the creative teams uses ultra-modern technical equipment and great special effects to captivate spectators. The bustling Arabic bazaar, the massive sea-battle with several galleys and pirate ships, gladiatorial combats culminating with the elecrtifying chariot-race with 5 quadrigas speeding across the arena, will fascinate all who join the journey to Judea, into the first century AD.

The world's biggest arena show, combining the impact of a rock concert, the interesting scences of a musical, the power of a theatre play and the spectacular sight of a Hollywood production, will surely offera night to remember to viewers of all ages.

Update: Unfortunately local organizers of the show have just announced that, because the production company is in financial trouble, the show is cancelled again and will probably be rescheduled sometime in September.