At the heart of the recent theater showcase Yemaya, audiences were introduced to a different kind of stage experience—one that stripped away the usual spectacle of song and dance and instead leaned fully into performance, silence, and emotional weight. Presented as a straight play with no musical numbers, Yemaya stood out for its grounded storytelling and its focus on character-driven drama.
Directed by Ed Lacson Jr., the production was described as carefully cast and deliberately shaped, with the director sharing during the event that selecting the right actors was a meticulous process. The final lineup brought together seasoned and rising performers, including Benedix Ramos, Sheena Belarmino, and veteran performer Bituin Escalante—each bringing a distinct presence to the stage.
For LionhearTV’s coverage of the event, what stood out was not just the performance itself but the shared honesty from the cast about the demands behind the production. Benedix Ramos spoke candidly about how challenging the process had been, noting that every detail—from movement to emotional delivery—was continuously refined throughout rehearsals. The intensity of the preparation, he shared, was essential in building a performance that felt authentic and fully lived-in.
He also expressed his admiration for working alongside Bituin Escalante for the first time, calling it a personal milestone. For him, being part of the same production as someone he had long respected made the experience even more meaningful.
Sheena Belarmino, who has previously worked with Benedix in other stage productions, shared how Yemaya further strengthened their onstage chemistry. Familiarity between them, she noted, allowed for a more natural and instinctive performance dynamic—something that translated into the emotional flow of their scenes.
Beyond individual performances, the production also highlighted the collaborative nature of theater itself. The cast described Yemaya as a project where details were constantly refined and where trust between actors and director played a crucial role in shaping each moment on stage.
For LionhearTV, Yemaya ultimately presents itself as more than just a theater piece—it is a study in discipline, collaboration, and emotional honesty. (with reports from Carlos Aragon)
