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[title]The highly acclaimed Off Centre returns to the stage at the Victoria Theatre from February 7 to 17. Written by Haresh Sharma and directed by Alvin Tan, this year’s revival features the comeback of Sakinah Dollah and Abdulattif Abdullah who are reprising their 1993 roles as the protagonists Saloma and Vinod respectively.
In case you didn’t read the text during Secondary school, here’s what Off Centre is all about. The play shines a spotlight on mental illness, following an unlikely friendship that blossoms over discussions on personal conflicts and social prejudices. Haresh Sharma and Alvin Tan share more on the production, the importance of mental health and why the play is still as relevant as it was 26 years ago.
Mental illness was quite a taboo subject in Singapore back in the early 90s. How did you tackle the theme in a way that captured the attention of Singaporeans?
Haresh Sharma When The Necessary Stage first started working on this play, we were given access to different places like Woodbridge Hospital because the piece was commissioned by the Ministry of Health. We interviewed a lot of patients, ex-patients, psychiatrists, social workers. We also went to halfway houses and daycare centres to talk to people. The research helped us present a more realistic portrayal of mental illness in Singapore as well as the misconceptions, taboos and superstitions surrounding the topic. That kind of realism struck a chord with the audience who were moved by the stories and characters.
Has anything changed since?
Haresh Sharma Social media has definitely brought more attention to mental illness. People are more open to discussing the issue, which may have a positive impact on the young.
Do you think society’s impression of mental illness has changed?
Alvin Tan Sadly, despite more infrastructural support for those suffering from mental illness, the social stigma, discrimination and prejudice that exists still remains the same in Singapore. Off Centre remains relevant and urgent. For example, we still have to state if we have a history of mental illness when we fill up an employment form for a job in the civil service. That has not changed since 1993, although there is an appeal to do away with that segment in the form. When someone admits to suffering from mental illness, one either does not get the job or gets employed with a lower salary because one is deemed less productive because of the ailment.
Will the 2019 restaging of Off Centre be any different from its 1993 debut?
Alvin Tan Yes! The cast and I have grown as human beings with more life experiences and have done more theatre work since. Other than that, we have new cast members and designers who have reinterpreted the set and lighting.
Why should everyone see this reboot?
Alvin Tan We always need reminding as to how we should treat those who are less fortunate. I believe in the universality of the play, which transcends time and geography.