New SC Project

[themudderqueen]

I have to agree with Moonstone. Because of the performance atmosphere, I don't think you can compare this show with other roles animals are called upon to participate in. I never thought of it until it was pointed out, but now I'm actually feeling a little disappointed that SC would even be involved with this kind of sensationalist animal casting, considering his history of raising horses

[rhoeckel]

[quote="Dietmar"]I decided to travel to the Westfalenhalle (15 min. on foot!) for the early Sunday performance (October 11, 2009).

Dietmar[/quote]

Hi Dietmar,

please keep in mind that the afternoon performance is suitable especially for children:
"Kindgerechte Nachmittagsvorstellungen:
Die Show ist für die ganze Familie geeignet. Die Nachmittagsvorstellungen sind „kindgerechter“, da in der Darstellung von Gewalt & Freizügigkeit deutlich beschränkt."

In English: The afternoon performance is suitable for the whole family
because the representation of violence and promiscuity is clearly limited.

As Stewart isn't going to perform personally I will try to get a late ticket on Ebay...

Cheers,
Rüdiger

[Dietmar]

I'd like to know if the people who care so much about the animals at the Ben Hur show eat meat. Just curious.

and I don't care if the afternoon shows are more suitable for children.
I'm just watching this as it's close to home anyway...

dietmar

[moonstone]

[quote="Dietmar"]I'd like to know if the people who care so much about the animals at the Ben Hur show eat meat. Just curious.

and I don't care if the afternoon shows are more suitable for children.
I'm just watching this as it's close to home anyway...

dietmar[/quote]

Hi Dietmar

No I haven't eaten meat or fish since I was a small child.

[GinaSuperCat]

I posted a reference to BHL's statement about animal care and the measures they are taking way long ago earlier in this thread when this was first raised, which they obviously thought about and made sure to address in advance.

I'll type it here in its entirety, for measure:

****
"There are a variety of animals involved in Ben Hur Live. As well as horses for the chariot race, there are current plans to include camels, birds of prey, donkeys and goats. Like the human actors we consider the animals to be performers in the show -- they are part of the action and enrich the event.

"For us as the producer, this brings great responsibility: the proper care and protection of the animals is of the utmost priority, appropriate to each individual animal and its integrity. We demand respectful and caring treatment of the animals from everyone involved in this production and guarantee species appropriate care arrangements.

"Their accommodation, transport, transport, and participation in the show will be made as stress free as possible. To ensure this, we have been in close contact with recognized animal experts and trainers since planning began. They advise us on the best way to manage accommodation, transport, and performances.

"Furthermore, we will establish a partnership with an independent animal rights group, providing them with full and unlimited access during rehearsals and on tour so that they can work as external observers.

"We feel deeply committed to an ethical attitude towards the whole creation"

***

Is there some reason why we should be concerned with the measures they are taking or discount their statements about their concern for the animals where they claim to treat them as well as the actors? Or is the objection just to performing animals in general, irregardless of the above attempt at addressing the problem.

The reason why I am asking these questions is because this conversation invariably IS going to be viewed as a personal attack, for if the show is being ethically questioned then whoever is going is implicated in the process and will feel they have to defend themselves from charges of insensitivity to animals. And also Stewart himself. A blanket criticism of the endeavor is, regardless if you mean it that way or not or not, going to question those involved or going, who include people who are so very concerned about animals and their treatment, like I know Dietmar, for example, to be.

So if we are indeed going to discuss this, we should take the above statement about animal protection into consideration in the conversation. At least we shouldn't pretend that the BHL production didn't already address this concern rather extensively in advance.

Just my 2c, best wishes all--GSC

[moonstone]

Hi GinaSuperCat

Thanks for printing the statement. Yes I did read it on the BenHurlive web page.
My objection is to performing animals in general, particularly in loud and frightening situations. It's kind of topical here because in the news this week there have been some objections to a circus that have bought performing elephants to the UK for the first time in 10 years.

Whilst I don't doubt that the statement is true, and that the makers of Ben Hur will do all they can to make things as comfortable as possible for the animals concerned, I can't help but feel that it would be better just not to subject them to it in the first place. This is just my personal feelings on the subject.

[Midori]

Excuse me for not reading all of this topic but,

Thank you so much Jeff for providing us fantastic info.
Although only european dates are announced , this news has cheered me up.

If they have some Asia-Pacific dates , that would be great.

[GinaSuperCat]

These are good points, Moonstone. I am hoping that if the score is prerecorded then the bulk of the sound might be concentrated in the seating tiers anyhow. I would venture a guess that all the performers hearing might be protected, where possible...

I think the Rhythmatist demonstrates that a live performance would be far more terrifying for the animals than prerecorded! <grin>

About the soundtrack, which is available on the day of the show, perhaps it could be available online as well, perhaps even through scnet? <grin> Look forward to hearing it someday!

[lisaspear]

Ben Hur trumps all of the following......

LUTE
French Opera
3 Penny Opera
any other Sting related Operas
Sacred Love
Kipper

Thank you Stewart!!



*bows*

[Divemistress of the Dark]

Hmmmmm. Maybe we should start another thread, so folks who are angry and upset over this can discuss their feelings without causing people who are planning on attending the show to feel personally attacked?

I can kind of see both sides, myself.

[empty]

I see both sides myself as well. I am very glad they have seen fit to address this up front and clearly on their website.

I can confirm that the music will be prerecorded, and that I believe Stewart is working on the recordings now. *prays for preview*

[63falcon]

Yay!!! More chariots, more horses, fantastic!

[YUMIKO]

Hi! Jeff!
Thank you so much for wonderful info.
I am a thought same as Midori, too!
Oh please please!!

[Dietmar]

a flyer, an ad and a ticket for the show:

http://www.policefans.org/Police_wiki/i ... n_Hur_Live

(no animals were harmed in printing or scanning these items)

Dietmar

[Chatchka]

What about the poor little trees that were cruelly cut apart so that you could hold that precious paper ticket in your hand. Is there dignity in the ink printed on their shredded, pulpy remains?! Poor, sad, little trees! Cruelly cut down in their prime. They don't stand a fighting chance -- they can't even run (weeping) (sniff, sniff).

(Sorry Deitmar, you know I love you, I just couldn't resist anymore.)