Off Centre is a landmark play in the history of Singapore theatre, best remembered for presenting an honest and unflinching look at mental illness and the stigma surrounding it. Selected in 2007 by the Ministry of Education as the first Singaporean play to be offered as a GCE O- and N-Level literature text, Off Centre is once again back on the syllabus since 2018.
This online interactive theatrical experience will feature excerpts of Off Centre that traces the friendships that the protagonist, Vinod, forges—one with Charlie, his ex-classmate from Junior College, and another with Saloma, who—like Vinod—struggles with a mental health condition.
Can Vinod draw support from his friends, in the face of social prejudices against those suffering from mental illnesses? Will their friendships be able to withstand the personal conflicts that each of them experience?
Written by
Haresh Sharma
Directed by
Alvin Tan
Cast:
Ghafir Akbar, Joshua Lim and Siti Khalijah Zainal
Facilitators:
Eleanor Tan, Masturah Oli, Muhammad Muazzam bin Amanah, and Sindhura Kalidas
Learning Objectives
- Explore the intricate dynamics of friendship, and how we can provide positive support for one another
- Gain an understanding of forum theatre as a tool for developing critical thinking and analytical skills
- Gain an understanding of the importance of empathy and integrity
By the end of the programme, students will be:
- entertained by the performance
- engaged with the issues discussed
- empowered to effect changes and manage problems in their lives.
- enabled by new information about Singapore theatre
This programme is presented by The Necessary Stage, in collaboration with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, as part of its Feed Your Imagination programme for 2020. It is supported by the National Arts Council as part of the NAC School Arts Excursion Programme.