Off Centre

This 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?

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 (MOE) 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.

Off Centre will be presented live via Zoom. To support teachers through this new format of presentation, there will be a teachers’ briefing session prior to the performance. Attendance is compulsory.

Learning Objectives

• Explore issues related to mental health conditions, its challenges and stigmas
• Gain a better understanding of the experiences and feelings of people who live with mental health conditions
• Be empowered to effect changes in their own lives and friendships