Meet the actresses joining Lea Salonga in ‘Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba’

Theatre Group Asia (TGA) has unveiled additional cast members for its upcoming production of “Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba,” assembling a formidable ensemble of stage actresses who will star alongside Tony Award winner Lea Salonga.

A Filipino-language adaptation of Federico García Lorca’s “The House of Bernarda Alba,” the production tells the story of a domineering mother whose efforts to protect her family ultimately threaten to destroy it.

Veteran performer Sheila Francisco takes on the role of Maria Josefa, Bernarda’s elderly mother.

Francisco, who also has international theater experience, previously appeared in “Bar Boys: A New Musical,” for which she won the Gawad Buhay Award for Best Featured Actress, and “Ang Huling El Bimbo.”

In a statement, Francisco said she saw how the play resonates with Filipino family dynamics, particularly the influence of matriarchs.

“Akala ko, dito talaga story na ’yan sa mga Pilipino, because it’s so relatable to us with how strong the matriarch is here in the Philippines,” she said.

Bernarda’s five daughters, who are subjected to “absolute obedience” by their mother, will be portrayed by Maita Ponce, Toni Go-Yadao, Maronne Cruz, Mikaela Regis and Gabby Padilla.

Ponce, whose past stage credits include “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Orosman at Zafira,” will play Angustias, the eldest daughter. Meanwhile, Go-Yadao, a senior member of Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors Company and co-festival director of Virgin Labfest XXI, will portray Magdalena, the second daughter.

Cruz, who previously starred in “Hair” and “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” will play Amelia, a reserved character who contrasts with the strong-willed roles the actress has often portrayed.

Regis will take on the role of Martirio, while Padilla, known for her performances in the films “Billie and Emma” and “Kono Basho,” will portray Adela, the youngest daughter.

Padilla shared she first encountered “Bernarda Alba” while watching theater students rehearse, drawn by the work’s writing and atmosphere.

Describing her character, Adela, Padilla said: “I think she is also wise beyond her years to know that she can resist and to know that there is a life beyond what her sisters have already accepted for themselves.”

Veteran stage and screen actress Frances Makil-Ignacio also joins the production as Poncia, Bernarda’s longtime servant and confidante.

Jam Binay, whose theater credits include “Spring Awakening” and “Bar Boys: A New Musical,” brings to life Blanca, the household’s second servant.

“Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba” will be staged at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati in February 2027, with tickets available through TicketWorld.

It marks Salonga’s first time performing in a Filipino play.