BIAL presents ‘Odyssey of Love’, inspired by Kalidasa, in celebration of womanhood

Bengaluru: Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), through its non-profit social impact arm Kempegowda International Airport Foundation (KIAF), in collaboration with Phase 1 World and acclaimed director Kevin Oliver, will present Odyssey of Love, an original musical that brings together theatrical excellence and social impact.

The musical will premiere globally in India, debuting in Bengaluru from May 7 to 9, 2026, at the Good Shepherd Auditorium.

Inspired by Kalidasa’s Shakuntala, “Odyssey of Love” is reimagined as a contemporary pop opera, blending movement, emotion, and music into a visually rich narrative.

The musical is a journey through love, loss and transformation, in celebration of  womanhood.

Anchored in the pillars of hope, love, and peace, it unfolds as an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

Each ticket supports access to education through KIAF’s flagship programme, Namma Shikshana, which strengthens government schools through infrastructure, digital access, and holistic learning.

Currently impacting over 2,750 students across six schools, the programme aims to scale to over 30,000 learners, in partnership with the Department of School Education, Government of Karnataka.

The musical brings together a multidisciplinary ensemble of prominent creative voices from across the country, spanning art, movement and fashion, to create a richly layered theatrical experience.

Blending pop, rock and jazz with the expressive depth of Indian classical dance, the production presents a unique East-meets-West vocabulary, further elevated by a special cameo performance adding another compelling dimension.

Shalini Rao, Chief Marketing Officer, BIAL, said: “At KIAF, we believe culture has the power to bring people together and create meaningful change. Odyssey of Love reflects this belief by blending creativity with purpose, turning a shared artistic experience into an opportunity to support young learners. Bringing an original musical by Kevin Oliver to India for the very first time makes this even more special. Known for his distinctive storytelling and visually immersive productions, the show offers audiences an opportunity to experience his work live. We look forward to seeing Bengaluru come together to create a lasting impact beyond the stage.”

Kevin Oliver said: “Odyssey of Love is a 60-minute fairytale pop opera, and what you’ll see on stage is an avant-garde, gloriously over-the-top theatrical experience. It brings together my love for storytelling through music, movement, fashion, and art, creating a world that is immersive and emotionally rich. Walk in with zero inhibitions and a sense of adventure, and I promise you’ll leave absolutely mesmerised. This is my original musical and very close to my heart, and bringing it back to Bengaluru, especially for the kids of KIAF, makes it all the more special.”