[Review] ‘Kungkung’ Roman Soldiers' Footsteps Like a Song... Musical ‘Benhur’ Maximizes Realism

Third Season Following 2017 Domestic Premiere and 2019 Revival
Ensemble Group Dance and Life-Size Articulated 'Mal' Draw Attention
At LG Art Center Until November 19

Even the toughest bonds, like unbreakable chains or concrete, can easily snap and shatter when ambition or desire seeps in. The same goes for friendships that have grown close since childhood, like brothers. The friendship between Ben-Hur, a prestigious Jewish nobleman and the protagonist of the musical "Ben-Hur," and his friend Messala is shattered by their desire for success. The setting is Jerusalem in 21 AD, during the Roman Empire’s persecution. Messala, who formed a strong friendship with Ben-Hur in childhood, reunites with him as a Roman officer. However, after enduring numerous wars and returning with a mission to protect the new governor, Messala is no longer the person he once was. He proposes to help suppress Jewish rebels to Ben-Hur, who dreams of Jewish independence amid Roman oppression, causing a rift between them. The next day, due to a mistake by Ben-Hur’s younger sister Tirzah while watching the new governor’s march from the rooftop, a roof tile falls toward the governor. Messala uses this incident to accuse the Ben-Hur family of treason and leverage it for his own advancement. The musical "Ben-Hur" portrays the beginning and end of this conflict over 155 minutes. Based on the historical novel of the same name by American author Lew Wallace, published in 1880, it is also well known in Korea through the 1959 film directed by William Wyler.

[Photo by EMK Musical Company]

One of the many attractions of "Ben-Hur" is its spectacular performances. The vivid formation of the Roman army conveys an imposing presence different from the film. The live theatrical experience, unlike the special effects-laden movie, maximizes the sensory reception of both sight and sound. The ensemble’s military dance itself creates harmony. The heavy armor and shields, spears, and flags fluttering with cloaks produce marching sounds so captivating they could be considered a musical “number” in their own right.

The appropriate use of screens enhances the immersion in the production. Amidst the scattering of the family, Ben-Hur is shown rowing on a Roman warship for three years. The image of the Roman warship is projected on a translucent screen, creating a three-dimensional effect of the ship’s deck. Although the artificial 3D image effect is somewhat noticeable, it does not significantly disrupt immersion. The feeling of the “foreground” rather than the “background” behind the actors feels fresh and innovative. When the Roman warship is attacked by pirates and sinks, and Ben-Hur rescues the Roman commander underwater, the scene conveys the vividness of the ocean depths.

[Photo by EMK Musical Company]

The chariot race promised by Judah and Messala in their childhood is the highlight of the play. Although it was a pure promise in the past, the chariot race has now become a life-or-death battle. Eight life-sized articulated horses compete in the race. Two chariots, each pulled by four horses, take the circular stage and captivate the audience’s attention. The dense and varied staging techniques provide a strong sense of theatrical direction. However, focusing too much on the mechanical movements of the horses may hinder immersion due to their somewhat rough motions, so it is better to concentrate on the “panoramic” view that harmonizes with the Colosseum video background.

[Photo by EMK Musical Company]

The performance maintains a weighty tone through the actors’ bold portrayals. Shin Sung-rok, playing Ben-Hur, embodies the role with a muscular physique and sings of pain amid bleak circumstances. Park Min-sung, as Messala, expresses unrestrained desire with powerful high notes. Lee Jung-yeol, portraying the Roman naval commander Quintus, delivers a passionate performance with his distinctive deep voice, embodying a soldier who never gives up. Kim Dae-jong, as the Jewish Roman governor Pilate, enhances immersion with his solid and stable voice. Pilate generally maintains a serious demeanor but also evokes laughter at times.

The performance runs until November 19 at the LG Arts Center Seoul.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.