Cover Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino play lead characters in the Filipino translation of ‘Yemaya’ (Photo: Loreta Arroyo)
Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino play lead characters in the Filipino translation of ‘Yemaya’ (Photo: Loreta Arroyo)
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Following a string of blockbuster hits, 9 Works Theatrical returns to the raw and evocative power of the stage with ‘Yemaya’, a Filipino translation of the acclaimed masterpiece by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes
9 Works Theatrical proudly presents Yemaya, bringing the signature lyrical prose of the visionary behind the Tony Award-winning In The Heights to a coming-of-age odyssey. The production is translated into Filipino by Eljay Castro Deldoc, bridging the gap between Hudes’s vibrant Latin American roots and the shared archipelago experiences of the Philippines. This translation aims to bring the story closer to the realities of Filipinos.
Leading the production is Ed Lacson Jr, marking his highly anticipated directorial comeback. He is recognised as one of the most celebrated names in Philippine theatre design and direction, most notable for his directorial stints in Games People Play (2013), Si Maria Isabella at ang Guryon ng mga Tala (2015), Stop Kiss (2019) and Himala: Isang Musikal (2019).
Above Sheena Belarmino as Maya (Photo: Wika Nadera)
Above Ness Roque as Maya (Photo: Wika Nadera)
Sheena Belarmino as Maya (Photo: Wika Nadera)
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Yemaya follows the epic journey of a young boy as he traverses lands and seas to find his true place in the world. The production promises a visceral exploration of myth, motherhood, and the tides of fate. What begins as a “what if” wonder transforms into an adventure of “what could be” in this fantasy-ridden tale of hope, perseverance and the restless pull of the tides.
9 Works Theatrical has unveiled the ensemble for Yemaya, blending seasoned theatre titans with sought-after young talents.
Above Tommy Alejandrino as Jesus/Mulo (Photo: Wika Nadera)
Tommy Alejandrino as Jesus/Mulo (Photo: Wika Nadera)
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The pivotal role of Jesus/Mulo will be shared by Tommy Alejandrino and Benedix Ramos. Alejandrino is an award-winning film and theatre actor best known for his critically acclaimed portrayal in The Baseball Player, while Ramos is a popular theatre actor, singer-songwriter and former Pinoy Big Brother celebrity housemate.
The character of Maya will be portrayed by Sheena Belarmino and Ness Roque. Belarmino is a Star Magic artist who recently earned her first Gawad Buhay nomination, whereas Roque is a theatre and film actor, performance dramaturg and educator currently pursuing her doctorate at the Tokyo University of the Arts.
Read more: The Southeast Asian premiere of ‘On Your Feet!’ hits Manila
Bituin Escalante (Photo: Wika Nadera)
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Anchoring the production as Yemaya/Inay is the legendary Bituin Escalante. Her definitive performances spanning nearly three decades have cemented her status as one of Philippine theatre’s powerhouses, earning her multiple Gawad Buhay, Broadwayworld and Awit Awards. Veteran actor, director and Virgin Labfest co-founder Herbie Go joins the cast as Tico. Rounding up the acclaimed cast are award-winning actress Sheenly Gener as Lila, distinguished Berlinale Talents alum Anthony Falcon as Jelin and devised performance creator Wenah Nagales as the cover for Yemaya/Inay.
Above Benedix Ramos as Jesus/Mulo (Photo: Wika Nadera)
Benedix Ramos as Jesus/Mulo (Photo: Wika Nadera)
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The artistic team features Lacson also serving as set designer, Teresa Barrozo as music and sound designer and JM Cabling as movement director. Heading the production team is managing director and executive producer Santi Santamaria, supported by artistic director Robbie Guevara.
Yemaya will be staged across all weekends from June 13 until July 5. Performances are scheduled for 8pm on Fridays, and 3pm and 7.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The production will be held at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, located in Rockwell, Makati. Tickets for this highly anticipated run are now available for purchase on Ticket2Me.net.
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Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
