A Sanskrit classic finds new life through pop, couture and visual spectacle as Odyssey of Love prepares for its India premiere in Bengaluru. Directed by Kevin Oliver, it is a reimagination of Abhijnanasakuntalam for a contemporary audience, blending theatre, music and design into a format that feels both rooted and refreshingly new. Mounted as a fundraiser, the production also supports access to education for students in government schools.‘It is an immersive experience’For Oum Pradutt from the production company, the starting point was to move away from familiar adaptations and build something original. “We didn’t want to import a Western format again. This is an Indian story told in a global language,” he says. “It brings together theatre, dance, music, fashion and technology into one immersive experience.” From couture-inspired costumes to a layered soundscape that moves between pop, rock and classical influences, the show leans into spectacle while staying anchored in emotion. “It is a 60-minute fairytale pop opera, and what you’ll see on stage is an avant-garde, gloriously over-the-top theatrical experience,” shares Kevin Oliver.‘The veil is the main character’For artist Raghava KK, the project came together through a mix of old connections and creative instinct. At the centre of his work is a 45-foot veil that becomes a key element in the show. “The veil is the crux of the performance. It’s like a river, it flows, it takes turns, it carries the journey,” he explains. “Built over weeks, the piece brings together everything I work with: acrylic, sketches, digital elements and layered textures. I just kept doodling, collaging, building a narrative, almost like a scroll,” he adds, describing it as a living artwork that moves through the audience.
