9 Works Theatrical’s Yemaya immediately captivated me with its stunning production design. I was genuinely amazed by how beautifully the stage was transformed through its thoughtfully crafted set, well-designed props, and, most notably, its dramatic lighting. Every visual element worked in harmony to establish the mood of each scene, allowing the audience to become fully immersed in the story’s emotional journey.
The performances were equally compelling. Tommy Alejandrino delivered a heartfelt portrayal of Jesus/Mulo, bringing sincerity, vulnerability, and warmth to the character making his role’s emotional journey deeply affecting. Stage veterans Bituin Escalante and Herbie Go once again demonstrated why they are among the country’s finest theater performers. Escalante’s commanding stage presence and emotional depth beautifully as mother and Yemaya complemented Go’s nuanced portrayal of Tico, whose lingering grief resonated long after the loss. Together with Anthony Falcon, the trio elevated the production through performances marked by remarkable intensity, emotional richness, and seamless chemistry. Their command of the stage and ability to connect with one another made every scene more compelling, emerging as one of the production’s greatest strengths.
One of Yemaya’s greatest achievements is its decision to present the production in Filipino. Performing the play in Tagalog gives the story a more intimate and authentic connection with its audience. The language allows every emotion to resonate more naturally, particularly in scenes that explore grief, love, and acceptance.
Beyond its impressive spectacle and beautiful design, however, Yemaya succeeds because of the questions it asks its audience: How do we grieve? And how do we embrace grief so that we can finally be free?
The play offers different but equally meaningful answers through its central characters. For Jesus, grief means moving forward and fulfilling the dreams he promised to his loved one. For Tico, it means carrying memories and allowing them to become a source of strength rather than pain. And for Maya, grief is about acceptance, the difficult yet liberating act of letting go.
Rather than presenting grief as something that should simply disappear with time, Yemaya reminds us that everyone mourns differently. There is no single path toward healing, only the courage to continue living while carrying the love of those we have lost.
Beautifully staged, emotionally grounded, and exceptionally performed, Yemaya offers a heartfelt meditation on love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
