Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning
Hollywood blockbuster 'The Gladiator' will be screened at the
Colosseum on June 6 for a charity event that will almost
certainly be attended by lead actor Russell Crowe.
The soundtrack will be played live by the Italian cinema
orchestra in synchrony with the dialogues.
The cineconcert will be repeated twice at Circo Massimo on
June 8 and 9, but to a larger audience.
The 200 member orchestra and choir will be conducted by
Justin Freer, with singer Lisa Gerrard who won the Golden Globe
for the title song ''Now we are free'' and composer Hans Zimmer
in attendance.
The event will raise money for the Rotary campaign ''End
Polio Now'', which also has the support of the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation, World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
The 30-year campaign has already raised 1.7 billion dollars
to vaccinate children across the globe and the aim now is to
raise an additional 450 million in 3 years.
The Gladiator Live will also raise money for a new lift for
disabled people at the Colosseum, which will cost 200,000 euros
and be delivered by June 2019.
"It was almost a moral obligation for the Colosseum to agree
(to hosting the event)," said building superintendent Rossella
Rea.
"In 2000 the Gladiator spread the image of this place
globally to such an extent that visitor numbers doubled."
So on June 6 300-350 lucky guest-donors will get to enjoy a
unique spectacle evoking the emotions of silent film and in the
very place that is seen digitally reproduced on the big screen.
Guests also include Rome's other gladiator, former Roma
captain Francesco Totti.
Tickets range from 1,500 to 3,000 euros for a seat in the
front row, guided tour of the underground archaeological area
and dinner at the Terrazza Valadier prepared by chef Cristina
Bowerman.
Tickets to the Circo Massimo dates instead cost between 50
and 250 euros.
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