YEMAYA Brings Myth, Identity, and Home Closer to Filipino Audiences

There are stories we outgrow—and then there are stories that grow with us

This June 2026, 9 Works Theatrical returns to the stage with YEMAYA, a Filipino translation of Yemaya’s Belly by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes. Known for her work on In the Heights, Hudes brings her signature lyrical storytelling to a coming-of-age journey that feels both intimate and universal.

YEMAYA’s story

YEMAYA follows a young boy searching for where he belongs—moving from a simple “what if” to a powerful “what could be.” It’s a story many children live through, and one that resonates deeply with parents, guiding them along the way.

What makes this production especially meaningful for Filipino families is its local lens. Through the translation by Eljay Castro Deldoc, the narrative reflects familiar themes of migration, identity, and the pull of the sea—bringing the story closer to home.

Directed by Ed Lacson Jr., YEMAYA embraces a stripped-down, intimate staging—an intentional shift that highlights the emotional core of the story. It’s a theatre that invites families to slow down, be present, and experience something together.

Leading the cast is Bituin Escalante as Yemaya/Inay, joined by a dynamic mix of seasoned performers and rising talents including Sheena Belarmino, Benedix Ramos, Herbie Go, and Ness Roque—a lineup that reflects different generations coming together in one shared space.

For audiences, YEMAYA offers more than a night at the theatre. It opens up conversations about identity, courage, and finding one’s place in the world—reminding us that sometimes, the most meaningful connections begin with a shared story.

YEMAYA runs this June 2026 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Makati.

More theatre productions

In a World of Limits, Karylle Chooses Imagination
Endo’s Comeback Reflects the Hustle Behind Every Filipino Household
Ateneo Blue Repertory Stages The Addams Family Musical