'Yemaya' is a groundbreaking theatrical production that challenges traditional boundaries in Philippine theater. Directed by Ed Lacson Jr., the play was adapted from Quiara Alegría Hudes' original English script, demanding a thoughtful translation into Filipino.
A Unique Artistic Challenge
The play, staged by 9 Works Theatrical, immerses audiences in a dreamlike underwater world. With stunning visuals and an evocative soundscape, it explores themes of immigration, dreams, and resilience.
'I wanted this production to be in Tagalog. That was non-negotiable for me,' said director Ed Lacson Jr.
Lacson's commitment to a Filipino version of the play stemmed from a desire to introduce new voices to the local theater scene. His collaboration with Eljay Castro Deldoc, an award-winning playwright and translator, was crucial.
The Translation Process
Deldoc faced the dual responsibility of remaining faithful to Hudes’ original vision while also capturing Lacson's interpretation. He emphasized the importance of preserving the play's essence.
'I have to be faithful to the source material, but I also need to deliver Ed's vision,' Deldoc shared. His initial draft flowed smoothly, influenced by shared cultural experiences.
Navigating Cultural Nuances
A key challenge in the translation was ensuring that while the dialogue was in Filipino, the setting remained distinctly non-Philippine. Lacson and Deldoc intentionally omitted culturally specific terms like 'opo' and 'po' to maintain this distinction.
'I wanted to be clear that it’s not set in the Philippines,' Lacson explained.
Collaboration with the Cast
The actors played a vital role in bringing the translation to life. Lacson selected a diverse cast who could navigate the elegant Filipino language that Deldoc crafted.
'The actors are the third part of the puzzle,' Lacson noted, emphasizing their input in shaping the final translation.
A New Cultural Dialogue
'Yemaya' challenges audiences to engage with complex themes and symbols. By blending languages and cultural references, the production creates a space for dialogue on identity and belonging.
As Lacson reflected on the process, he acknowledged the difficulty yet necessity of pushing creative boundaries. 'What’s the point if things are easy?' he mused.