Tommy Alejandrino sails into ‘Yemaya’ with heart, grit, big dreams

The actor channels stubborn dreamer in 9 Works Theatrical’s “Yemaya,” a sweeping coming-of-age tale of longing, identity, and home.

For Tommy Alejandrino, who plays Jesus in the latest production of “Yemaya,” the role hits close to home, as he connects with the character’s unyielding stubbornness on a deeply personal level.

“It’s his determination and firm self-belief,” Tommy explained. “He knows exactly what he wants, and he makes sure nothing will stop him from getting it, no matter how much of a fool he makes of himself.”

In this 9 Works Theatrical production, Tommy is set to alternate with Benedix Ramos for the role of Jesus—also known as Mulo—in the company’s highly anticipated staging of “Yemaya.”

Jesus is written as a beautifully flawed hero: a brave, pragmatic young man whose missteps ultimately pave the way for his maturity. Tommy’s casting promises to bring compelling depth to this coming-of-age journey, made possible by a process that began long before the official call.

In an exclusive interview with radar Entertainment, Tommy recounted how the opportunity first materialized—from a direct message to the audition room.

“Our director, Sir Ed, actually messaged me about a year before official auditions were even held,” Tommy shared. “When the time finally came, I read scenes alongside the other actors who were invited to audition.”

The anticipation paid off when he finally received the good news that he had landed the coveted part. “I was told I got the role—a fearless young boy with the wildest imagination and the biggest dreams,” he recalled.

Striking parallel between actor and role

This relentless drive mirrors Tommy’s own journey in the arts, creating a striking parallel between actor and role.

“It mirrors my own journey; I’ve known I wanted to be an actor since sixth grade,” he noted. “Now, I get to be exactly that, even without a formal college degree.”

Best known for his portrayal of Amir in the critically acclaimed film “The Baseball Player,” Tommy has steadily built an impressive screen résumé. His performances in films like “Mallari,” “GomBurZa,” “Salome,” and “Her Locket” have earned him several award nominations.

This versatility is rooted in a strong foundation in theater; he trained at the Philippine High School for the Arts, where he spent six years honing his craft in acting, directing, and dramaturgy.

What the audience can expect from ‘Yemaya’

Audiences can expect “Yemaya,” adapted from Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes’ “Yemaya’s Belly,” to follow a young boy’s odyssey across land and sea in search of his place in the world—what begins as a simple “what if” evolves into a powerful tale of perseverance and longing.

Tommy is quick to highlight the story’s universal emotional core, noting that audiences will easily find pieces of themselves within the narrative.

“At its heart, the play is a poignant coming-of-age story,” he emphasized. “It explores the tedious, often painful journey of a young person longing for the warmth of a home, in search of that safe resting place where they truly belong and feel like the most important person in the world.”

Ultimately, Tommy believes the play’s central metaphor taps into a deeply human desire.

“In one way or another, in some shape or form, I bet we would all hop on a boat if we knew it would take us to a better life,” he concluded.

The cast also features Bituin Escalante as Yemaya/Inay, Sheena Belamino and Ness Roque alternating as Maya, Herbie Go as Tico, Sheenly Gener as Lila, and Anthony Falcon as Jelin, with Wenah Nagales as cover for Yemaya.

The play is translated into Filipino by Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Ed Lacson Jr. The strictly limited run is set from June 13 to July 5, with performances on Fridays at 8 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM and 7:30 PM. It will be staged at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me.net.

 

 

At its heart, the play is a poignant coming-of-age story. It explores the tedious, often painful journey of a young person longing for the warmth of a home, in search of that safe resting place where they truly belong and feel like the most important person in the world.

Tommy Alejandrino

 

 

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