Entry by: Jan Villegas
Sister Bethany
My first reading of JoMarZeb left me stunned, especially when I realised the weight carried by Sister Bethany. She is a woman of faith caught between truth and corruption, a custodian of history who becomes a victim of those sworn to protect it. My initial reaction was a mix of fear and responsibility — fear because her kidnapping by Father Legaspi exposes the darkest corners of religious power, and responsibility because portraying her demanded honesty, restraint, and deep empathy. I knew immediately that she could not be played as a stereotype; she had to feel real, conflicted, and human.
Putting flesh on Sister Bethany was challenging. I had to inhabit her quiet strength, her moral clarity, and her terror. Owning the role meant understanding how faith can be both a refuge and a battlefield. I worked to ground her reactions in lived Filipino experiences of oppression, loyalty, and courage. It was emotionally demanding, but it allowed me to honour the women who have carried truth through danger.
At Chelsea Theatre, the audience’s reaction overwhelmed me. Seeing people in tears — some visibly shaken — reminded me that the story touches generational wounds. As an actor, it was humbling to feel the room breathe with the actors, to sense the fear and resolve resonated deeply.
Brighton Fringe Festival 2026 was different in its totality. The audience was more diverse, less familiar with Philippine history, yet equally captivated. Their curiosity, their gasps, their silence created a new kind of electricity. It felt like introducing JoMarZeb to the world.
great reflection!
great reflection, thanks Jan
Congratulations Sister Bethany, sorry Jan Villegas. An interesting appraisal of your initial thoughts on both Invasion—-Jo-Mar-Zeb a the role of Sister Bethany and what you would be required to bring to the role. Your performance at the Brighton Fringe Festival 2026 evidenced the work that you had put in both at the Chelsea Theatre and subsequently Brighton to perfect the role was evident with your performance being highly effective and moving. Now you face the Scots and international audiences who without a doubt will also remember Sister Bethany. Robin Britt.