After a season of high-octane blockbuster hits, 9 Works Theatrical is shifting gears. In a move that promises to trade spectacle for raw, evocative storytelling, the company has announced its next major production: YEMAYA.
This upcoming production is a Filipino translation of Yemaya’s Belly, the acclaimed play by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes. Known for her lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, Hudes—who also penned the Tony Award-winning In The Heights—crafted a story that explores the boundaries of reality and myth.
A Tale of Tides and Transformation
Yemaya centers on a young boy’s epic odyssey across land and sea. Driven by curiosity and a restless spirit, his journey evolves from simple “what ifs” into a high-stakes adventure of “what could be.” It is a coming-of-age story wrapped in fantasy, focusing on:
- Perseverance: The grit required to cross vast distances.
- Hope: The light that guides a traveler in search of home.
- Cultural Connection: The universal pull of the ocean and its many mysteries.
Bridging Two Worlds
The Filipino translation is penned by Eljay Castro Deldoc. The choice of language is intentional, aiming to bridge Hudes’ Latin American roots with the shared “archipelago experience” of the Philippines. By grounding the story in a local linguistic context, Deldoc brings the fantastical elements of the play closer to the daily realities and cultural rhythms of Filipino audiences.
The Return of a Visionary
Adding to the excitement is the return of Ed Lacson Jr. to the director’s chair. One of the most respected names in Philippine theater design and direction, Lacson’s “highly anticipated directorial comeback” suggests a production that will be as visually striking as it is emotionally grounded.
As 9 Works Theatrical prepares to transform The Black Box into a world of myth and memory, fans of intimate and thought-provoking theater are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates. While the production is just around the corner, full cast announcements and ticketing information will be released soon.
YEMAYA is coming this June 2026 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell Makati. Tickets and full cast announcements will be released soon. Follow 9 Works Theatrical on Facebook and Instagram at @9WorksTheatrical and on Twitter/X at @9WorksOfficial.