9 Works Theatrical has revealed the full cast of its upcoming production Yemaya, bringing together acclaimed theater veterans and rising talents in a powerful ensemble. The production promises a visceral exploration of myth, motherhood, and the tides of fate.
The role of Jesus/Mulo will be shared by Tommy Alejandrino and Benedix Ramos. Alejandrino is an award-winning film and theater actor known for The Baseball Player, Mallari, and GomBurZa, and is a graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts. Ramos is an actor, singer-songwriter, host, and content creator under Star Magic ABS-CBN, known for Better Days, Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10, and stage work in Next to Normal, Bar Boys: The Musical, and Tabing Ilog: The Musical.
Maya will be portrayed by Sheena Belarmino and Ness Roque. Belarmino is a Star Magic performer recognized from Dance Kids, Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids, and productions such as One More Chance: The Musical, Spring Awakening, and Next to Normal. Roque is a theater and film actor, dramaturg, educator, and co-founder of Salikhain Kolektib, currently pursuing doctoral studies at Tokyo University of the Arts under a MEXT Scholarship.
Playing Yemaya/Inay is Bituin Escalante, one of Philippine theater’s most acclaimed performers, with multiple awards including Gawad Buhay and Awit Awards. Joining her is Herbie Go as Tico, a veteran actor, director, educator, and former artistic director of Tanghalang Pilipino.
Rounding out the cast are Sheenly Gener as Lila, Anthony Falcon as Jelin, and Wenah Nagales as cover for Yemaya/Inay. Gener is an award-winning actress in film and theater; Falcon is a Berlinale Talents alum and Young Critics Circle awardee; and Nagales is a co-founder of KOLABorador with extensive interdisciplinary performance work.
Yemaya follows a young boy’s epic journey across land and sea in search of belonging, evolving from a question of “what if” into a fantastical exploration of destiny, hope, and perseverance.
The production is led by Ed Lacson Jr. (director and set designer), Eljay Castro Deldoc (translator), Teresa Barrozo (music and sound), and a full creative team covering movement, design, and technical direction.
Yemaya runs from June 13 to July 5, 2026, at The Black Box, The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Makati, with performances on weekends. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.net.
