Paris to host Ben Hur extravaganza
The production, taking place over five nights, will feature scenes such as a live chariot race, a sea battle and a gladiatorial contest, all taken from the original Oscar-winning film.
Producer Robert Hossein, who had previously worked on the epic stage show A Man Named Jesus which had attracted 700,000 people, is hoping to attract a similar number to the host venue of the 1998 World Cup Final.
"There are scenes that are absolutely breathtaking," claimed Stade-de-France Productions spokesperson Jean-Christophe Giletta. "Ben-Hur is universal, it's international, everyone knows what it is. But no one had dared to put it on up to now."
Training for the chariot race is taking place at a special equestrian centre outside of Paris, the Guardian reported.
"It's not like in the cinema, where if you miss a shot you can do it again. Here, it's going to be a live chariot race every evening," added Mr Giletta.
Performances start on September 22nd.
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12.09.2006.