Teatro Pinas | 9 Works Theatrical’s YEMAYA Brings Filipino Translation of Quiara Alegría Hudes Masterpiece

 

9 Works Theatrical raises anticipation for its upcoming production YEMAYA as it officially reveals a powerhouse cast for the Filipino translation of Yemaya’s Belly by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes. Known for her work on In The Heights, Hudes’ lyrical storytelling is reimagined for local audiences through the translation of Eljay Castro Deldoc, under the direction of acclaimed theater artist Ed Lacson Jr.. Blending seasoned theater veterans with rising young talents, the production promises a visceral and emotionally resonant exploration of myth, motherhood, identity, and the tides of fate.

Photo credits: Lee Morale | 9 Works Theatrical

Taking on the dual role of Jesus/Mulo are Tommy Alejandrino and Benedix Ramos. Alejandrino, an award-winning film and theater actor, is widely recognized for his performance in The Baseball Player and notable roles in Mallari, GomBurZa, Salome, and Her Locket. A graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts, he trained extensively in acting, directing, and dramaturgy. Meanwhile, Ramos, a multi-hyphenate talent under Star Magic, gained popularity through Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10: Celebrity Edition and has since appeared in stage productions such as Next to Normal, Bar Boys: The Musical, and Tabing Ilog: The Musical.

Sharing the pivotal role of Maya are Sheena Belarmino and Ness Roque. Belarmino, a Star Magic artist, rose to fame through talent competitions including Dance Kids, Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids, and Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. She earned a Gawad Buhay nomination for her role in One More Chance: The Musical and continues to build an impressive theater résumé with productions like Spring Awakening, Next to Normal, and Bar Boys: The Musical. Roque, on the other hand, is a seasoned theater and film actor, dramaturg, and educator currently pursuing doctoral studies at the Tokyo University of the Arts under the MEXT Scholarship. She has performed in international productions such as Traveling Tongues and The Window of Spaceship ‘In-Between’, and co-founded the interdisciplinary collective Salikhain Kolektib.

Photo credits: Lee Morale | 9 Works Theatrical

Anchoring the production as Yemaya/Inay is theater icon Bituin Escalante, whose illustrious career spans nearly three decades. Known for her award-winning performances in Himala: Isang Musikal and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Escalante has earned multiple Gawad Buhay Awards, BroadwayWorld recognitions, and Awit Awards, solidifying her status as one of Philippine theater’s most formidable performers. Joining her is veteran actor and director Herbie Go as Tico, a respected figure in the theater scene and co-founder of the Virgin Labfest.

Completing the ensemble are Sheenly Gener as Lila, Anthony Falcon as Jelin, and Wenah Nagales as cover for Yemaya/Inay. Gener is an award-winning actress across stage, film, and television, while Falcon has received international recognition, including honors from the Berlinale Talents Acting Studio and the Young Critics Circle. Nagales, a co-founder of KOLABorador, brings over two decades of multidisciplinary experience spanning theater, film, and creative industries.

YEMAYA follows a young boy’s epic journey across lands and seas in search of his true place in the world—transforming a simple “what if” into a powerful exploration of “what could be.” Through Deldoc’s Filipino translation, the play bridges Hudes’ Latin American roots with the shared cultural identity of the Philippine archipelago, making the narrative deeply resonant for local audiences.

The production is further strengthened by a stellar creative team, including Teresa Barrozo as music and sound designer, Wika Nadera as assistant set designer and art director, JM Cabling as movement director, Ericson Navarro for costume and props, Jethro Nibaten for lighting, and Sheik Completado leading technical direction.

YEMAYA will run on weekends from June 13 to July 5, 2026, at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Makati, with showtimes scheduled at 8:00 PM on Fridays and 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me.

With its compelling narrative, culturally resonant adaptation, and an exceptional ensemble cast, YEMAYA stands out as one of the most highly anticipated theater productions of 2026. Audiences are encouraged to follow 9 Works Theatrical on social media for updates, partnerships, and show-buying inquiries as excitement continues to build for this immersive stage experience.