Entry by: Tony El Khoury. Videographer/Press officer for PTUK & Broadcast Journalist.
I first heard about JoMarZeb in the spring of 2025 during a conversation with (Direk) Ramon Tenoso. The strange title, made up of three syllables taken from real people’s names, immediately intrigued me. As Direk described the unlikely friendship between a nun, a teacher, and a lawyer, it felt like trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle without seeing the picture on the box. I put on my imagination hat and followed the story as it unfolded. What began as a tale of friendship before and during WW2, soon revealed itself to be something much deeper—a story about loyalty, courage, war, and death, and how these forces test people to their limits.
Then came the first reading. In truth, it left me slightly bewildered at first; the pieces seemed scattered in my mind. Yet as the actors spoke the lines aloud, the power of the writing became impossible to ignore. It shocked me, choked me, and visibly affected those reading it. From there came the casting and rehearsals. The process demanded a great deal from everyone involved because the play takes its cast and audience on a relentless rollercoaster of emotions. With every performance at Chelsea Theatre, the story felt more real and more personal.
For me, the play became much more than a theatrical production. Born and raised in Lebanon, I found myself revisiting memories of bloodshed and conflict that I had long tried to leave behind. The themes of standing up for what is right, remaining loyal to family and friends, and surviving in impossible circumstances struck deeply. When the play was shown in London (autumn 2025), it forced me to confront some of my own demons. Old wounds that I believed had healed more than forty-five years ago suddenly felt close to the surface again. It was uncomfortable, emotional, and ultimately important.
What began as JoMarZeb has now evolved into a new incarnation, INVASION. Watching it grow from a conversation and a collection of ideas into a fully realised production has been a remarkable journey. Its selection for the Brighton Fringe feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter. If JoMarZeb taught me anything, it is that powerful stories have a life of their own. They challenge us, change us, and sometimes take us to places we never expected to go.
Great start Tony!
Very good luck to all, August 2026 offers the entire cast and crew of the multinational Philippine Theatre U K an extraordinary opportunity which few get to experience. From my own interactions with this theatre company it is sure that audiences in Edinburgh. Scotland will have difficulty believing the company members are not Professional. Make this INVASION count especially for the threesome Jo, Mar and Zeb. Do them proud and make the decision by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2026 a truly inspired one. Robin Britt.
This is such a thoughtful piece, Tony! Truly, war and the effects of conflict resonate up to the present time. In our own little way, we are telling their stories…especially the forgotten. Congratulations once again to the whole cast and crew for an incredible run at the Brighton Fringe! ;-) And many thanks and well done of course to our director-playwright Ramon Tenoso. You have just written your ‘obra maestra’.
Superstar!