Bituin Escalante plays titular role in upcoming staging of ‘Yemaya’

May 3 ------ Legendary singer and actress Bituin Escalante will take on the titular role of Yemaya/Inay in the upcoming theatrical production of “Yemaya,” which is scheduled to open on June 13. Theater production company 9 Works Theatrical announced in a press statement that Escalante will be the anchor of the upcoming play, a Filipino translation of Quiara Alegria Hudes’ “Yemaya’s Belly.”

A Gawad Buhay awardee, Escalante is notable for her performances in “Himala Isang Musikal,” “Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” and “Pingkian: Isang Musikal,” the latter of which is her latest theatrical production.

Joining Escalante are Benedix Ramos and Tommy Alejandrino, who will alternately take on the role of Jesus/Mulo. Ramos is best known for his lead roles in “Bar Boys: The Musical” and “Next to Normal,” while Alejandrino is notable for his gripping performances in “Her Locket” and “The Baseball Player.”

Sheena Belarmino and Ness Roque will share the role of Maya, adding another theatrical production under their belt. Other cast members include Herbie Go, Sheenly Gener, Anthony Falcon, and Wenah Nagales, the latter of whom will cover the role of Yemaya/Inay.

“‘Yemaya’ follows a young boy’s epic journey as he traverses the lands and seas in search of his true place in the world. What starts as a wondering of ‘what if’ turns into an adventure of ‘what could be’ in this fantasy-ridden tale of perseverance, hope, and the restless pull of the tides,” 9 Works Theatrical said of the play’s storyline.

Source: inquirer.net