EXCLUSIVE: Yen Santos embraces first theater role in ‘The Art of Breaking Up’

Yen Santos is ready to take on a new challenge as she makes her theater debut in The Art of Breaking Up, stepping into a role that allows her to explore a side of her artistry that audiences may not often see. 

PUSH ABS-CBN was invited to one of the production’s  rehearsals ahead of its November premiere at the PETA Theater Center. Yen shared her excitement about playing Gab opposite Jel Tarun, who portrays Hector. 

The role has given Yen the opportunity to tackle scenes that are different from the characters and performances she has done before. As Gab, she gets to experience the intensity of a relationship coming to an end, including confrontations that involve shouting, strong language, and physical exchanges. 

For Yen, even getting to deliver lines she has never had the chance to say on screen has made the experience especially exciting. 

“Nung nag-audition ako and nakuha ko ‘yung role, sobrang happy ako. First time kong gumawa ng mga gano’ng scenes [at] ng mga gano’ng lines. Pangarap kong magmura talaga eh sa eksena. Ito ang dami ‘di ba? Masaya siyang laruin,” she excitedly said. 

Beyond the challenging scenes, what makes Gab particularly interesting for Yen is how different the character is from her in real life. 

While Gab responds to a breakup with intensity and confrontation, Yen describes herself as someone who would rather walk away quietly once a relationship has ended. Playing someone with an entirely different approach has allowed her to explore emotions and reactions outside her own personality. 

“Magkaiba kasi talaga kami ng character ko. Si Gab, kapag nakikipagbreak siya, sobra siyang intense. Ako tahimik lang ako. Kapag tapos na ako, tapos na ‘ko. Si Gab aawayin muna niya, mumurahin niya. Pero ako, bilang Yen, hindi ako gano’n. Hindi kasi ako confrontational.” 

Despite their differences, Yen has grown fond of her character as Gab and the opportunity to bring her life onstage. 

“Masaya siyang laruin kasi bago sa akin si Gab. Bago ‘yung character for me. Sobrang mahal ko siya.” 

Based on George de Jesus III’s original play Kung Paano Maghiwalay, which premiered in 2009, The Art of Breaking Up looks into the often painful and complicated experience of ending a relationship. 

Instead of focusing on infidelity or betrayal, the production explores what happens when two people fall out of love and the courage it takes to accept that a relationship has reached its end. 

For Yen, one of the things she hopes audiences will take away from the production is a deeper understanding of the process of breaking up, an experience that is often discussed less than the excitement of falling in love. 

“Meron talang art sa pakikipaghiwalay. Kung merong art [kapag] na-inlove ka, meron ding art sa paghihiwalay,” she maintained.  

A collaboration between ABS-CBN Teatro Kapamilya and PETA, The Art of Breaking Up runs from November 6 to December 6, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City.  

Tickets are now available through TicketWorld.