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Off centre
132 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
12 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Haresh Sharma
19 books16 followersHaresh is Resident Playwright of The Necessary Stage and co-Artistic Director of the annual M1 Singapore Fringe Festival. To date, he has written more than 100 plays. His play, Off Centre, was selected by the Ministry of Education as a Literature text for N and O Levels, and republished by The Necessary Stage in 2006. In 2008, Ethos Books published Interlogue: Studies in Singapore Literature, Vol. 6, written by Prof David Birch and edited by A/P Kirpal Singh, which presented an extensive investigation of Haresh's work over the past 20 years. A collection of Haresh’s plays have been translated into Mandarin and published by Global Publishing with the title '哈里斯·沙玛剧作选'.
Haresh was awarded Best Original Script for Fundamentally Happy, Good People and Gemuk Girls during the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Life! Theatre Awards respectively. In 2010, the abovementioned plays have also been published by The Necessary Stage in the collection entitled Trilogy. Most recently in 2011, 2 collections of short plays by Haresh entitled Shorts 1 and Shorts 2 have been published as well. Haresh was also the first non-American to be awarded the prestigious Goldberg Master Playwright by New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2011.
Haresh was awarded Best Original Script for Fundamentally Happy, Good People and Gemuk Girls during the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Life! Theatre Awards respectively. In 2010, the abovementioned plays have also been published by The Necessary Stage in the collection entitled Trilogy. Most recently in 2011, 2 collections of short plays by Haresh entitled Shorts 1 and Shorts 2 have been published as well. Haresh was also the first non-American to be awarded the prestigious Goldberg Master Playwright by New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 14, 2018
Initial thoughts: First staged in 1993, Off Centre is much more progressive for its time than I had anticipated. Mental health is so misunderstood and until today, many in Singapore vilify anyone with mental illnesses. There's a fair bit more awareness, sure, but prejudice, discrimination and fear still exist.
In 2002, when I had first moved to Singapore and was in fifth grade, my form teacher would threaten misbehaving classmates, and classmates who didn't do well academically that they'd end up in Woodbridge if they continued like that. Woodbridge Hospital had been renamed to Institute of Mental Health in 1993 but years on, Woodbridge colloquially still was referenced when calling others crazy — obviously as an insult.
To read a script that shed light on how misunderstood mental health was (and still is) in the context of Singapore surprised me and simultaneously gave me hope.
I remember my mother telling me that depression was the result of the devil possessing you. I was eight. This was exactly what Saloma's mother believed, telling her that prayer and incense would cure her, not health care and medication. (Happy to report that my mother has come to accept that mental health is a medical issue.)
Vinod's parents thought he was too smart to have a "chemical imbalance", and his platoon commander accused him of being lazy and using mental illness as an excuse to be downgraded to administrative work.
Reading about their struggles as they grappled with what it meant to live or to die, I could only empathise. It's difficult to heal when there's a lack of understanding, love, and support. As a society, we need to do so much better for others and for ourselves.
In any case, The Necessary Stage will be performing Off Centre again in February 2019. I for one, intend to watch it. If you're interested, you can get tickets here too.
In 2002, when I had first moved to Singapore and was in fifth grade, my form teacher would threaten misbehaving classmates, and classmates who didn't do well academically that they'd end up in Woodbridge if they continued like that. Woodbridge Hospital had been renamed to Institute of Mental Health in 1993 but years on, Woodbridge colloquially still was referenced when calling others crazy — obviously as an insult.
To read a script that shed light on how misunderstood mental health was (and still is) in the context of Singapore surprised me and simultaneously gave me hope.
I remember my mother telling me that depression was the result of the devil possessing you. I was eight. This was exactly what Saloma's mother believed, telling her that prayer and incense would cure her, not health care and medication. (Happy to report that my mother has come to accept that mental health is a medical issue.)
Vinod's parents thought he was too smart to have a "chemical imbalance", and his platoon commander accused him of being lazy and using mental illness as an excuse to be downgraded to administrative work.
Reading about their struggles as they grappled with what it meant to live or to die, I could only empathise. It's difficult to heal when there's a lack of understanding, love, and support. As a society, we need to do so much better for others and for ourselves.
Vinod: What's the use Saloma? Sooner or later they'll find out. If I join a company that hires ex-patients I don't have much choice of jobs and I get paid less anyway...like that Mr. Chow. And if I lie, then everyday I live in fear, wondering when the boss is going to find out. So, what do we do?I wish I had chosen an excerpt from Off Centre for my A Level Theatre Studies monologue because it's so important to spread awareness. Too bad, with so many scripts I skimmed, this book was too far down my pile.
In any case, The Necessary Stage will be performing Off Centre again in February 2019. I for one, intend to watch it. If you're interested, you can get tickets here too.
November 14, 2020
All I can picture is Siti’s performance, and the anguish, pain, desperation in the text is just... overwhelming.
April 20, 2020
This book context was set in Singapore , featuring the two main characters namely Vinod and Saloma.
The former , who has chronic depression and an Indian while the latter , who has schizophrenia and a Malay , are the minority in Singapore. To make matter worst , they are both marginalised by the society because they have mental illness.
Vinod , who was characterised as one who is strong , an extrovert has his first meeting with Saloma , who was characterised as an introvert and one who is shy. He was the alpha male in their relationship and wanted to integrate Saloma back to the society. However , towards the end of the play , the role reverse and eventually Saloma's condition is stable and is improving but Vinod's condition deteriorate , where he does not want to be a part of the society anymore.
Throughout the play , Sharma constantly uses breaking of the fourth wall , where the characters would interact with the readers. He uses this particular technique as it challenges the readers on the prejudices they may have on mental illness patients. In addition , it allows the readers to feel included in the play and have them think about their actions , making it more meaningful.
A particular act that left me speechless was Act 3 as most of the scenes were in the past , allowing us to better understand what are the challenges they faced when they were younger. One of the main challenges faced by them was that others do not understand the importance of mental health , so they are unable to understand those that are facing mental illness , thus pushing them to their limits which may cause them to have an episode. The last scene in this act is also the breaking point of the two main character , where they had the role reversal.
All in all , this book leaves me with a powerful impact as I get to understand people with mental illness better and is able to empathise them.
The former , who has chronic depression and an Indian while the latter , who has schizophrenia and a Malay , are the minority in Singapore. To make matter worst , they are both marginalised by the society because they have mental illness.
Vinod , who was characterised as one who is strong , an extrovert has his first meeting with Saloma , who was characterised as an introvert and one who is shy. He was the alpha male in their relationship and wanted to integrate Saloma back to the society. However , towards the end of the play , the role reverse and eventually Saloma's condition is stable and is improving but Vinod's condition deteriorate , where he does not want to be a part of the society anymore.
Throughout the play , Sharma constantly uses breaking of the fourth wall , where the characters would interact with the readers. He uses this particular technique as it challenges the readers on the prejudices they may have on mental illness patients. In addition , it allows the readers to feel included in the play and have them think about their actions , making it more meaningful.
A particular act that left me speechless was Act 3 as most of the scenes were in the past , allowing us to better understand what are the challenges they faced when they were younger. One of the main challenges faced by them was that others do not understand the importance of mental health , so they are unable to understand those that are facing mental illness , thus pushing them to their limits which may cause them to have an episode. The last scene in this act is also the breaking point of the two main character , where they had the role reversal.
All in all , this book leaves me with a powerful impact as I get to understand people with mental illness better and is able to empathise them.
April 21, 2020
I am currently studying this text for O level and I gave this book a 4 out of 5 . This book consist of two main characters Vinod and Saloma . This story also talks about how the society discriminate the mentally patient.
At the start of the play, Vinod is portray as a outgoing , assertive and strong when he first met Saloma . He figured out that Saloma was suffering from schizophrenia and tends to help her to recover from her mental illness throughout the play but little did he know that he was too focused on Saloma and he did not bothered about his own condition which later on near the end of the play his condition get worsen .
As for Saloma at the start of the play she is insecure about herself but later on she became more courageous . She and Vinod had a convectional friendship as they relied on each other and spend time with each other . Saloma suffered from schizophrenia however , with the help of Vinod she recovered from her illness and able to be better than before .
Sharma uses dramatic technique which is the breaking of the forth wall where the characters would interact with the readers . This makes the readers reflect on their own behaviour as they are like the society where they judge and discriminate the mentally filled patients . One of the scene where it had impacted me is Act 3 scene 3 which it is the climax . Saloma was being robbed and Vinod came to rescue her , however the robber words had deeply impacted Vinod thoughts and causes himself to look down on him and not being able to be brave to rescue Saloma
In conclusion this book is well written and it also allows us ( the readers) to be cautious of our words and actions .
At the start of the play, Vinod is portray as a outgoing , assertive and strong when he first met Saloma . He figured out that Saloma was suffering from schizophrenia and tends to help her to recover from her mental illness throughout the play but little did he know that he was too focused on Saloma and he did not bothered about his own condition which later on near the end of the play his condition get worsen .
As for Saloma at the start of the play she is insecure about herself but later on she became more courageous . She and Vinod had a convectional friendship as they relied on each other and spend time with each other . Saloma suffered from schizophrenia however , with the help of Vinod she recovered from her illness and able to be better than before .
Sharma uses dramatic technique which is the breaking of the forth wall where the characters would interact with the readers . This makes the readers reflect on their own behaviour as they are like the society where they judge and discriminate the mentally filled patients . One of the scene where it had impacted me is Act 3 scene 3 which it is the climax . Saloma was being robbed and Vinod came to rescue her , however the robber words had deeply impacted Vinod thoughts and causes himself to look down on him and not being able to be brave to rescue Saloma
In conclusion this book is well written and it also allows us ( the readers) to be cautious of our words and actions .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
I've never been exposed to any plays even before taking Literature so I'm glad my school chose 'Off Centre' and that my first experience have never been better!
I love how Haresh Sharma touches on mental illness fully as society often stigmatises it. In the play, the protagonists are of two very different personalities which slowly evolves into a bitter-sweet friendship. Haresh Sharma touches on how society often shield and isolate the mentally ill ones which they did not realise it might leave a huge impact on the protagonists later in the play. From snippets of Vinod's work employer to his university days, army days and even scenes with Razali. All of it slowly adds up to his vulnerabilities which lead to his first major breakdown during his army day which made him turn into solace towards Razali which then fails on him too and made him lose trust on people even more. Saloma on the other hand, starts off being shy, very different from Vinod. But towards the middle of the play, she became someone that none of us will probably think of. A role reversal between the two characters which is shocking yet beautiful in some sense.
All mental patients deserves a second chance and they will shine as brightly as one of us one day too.
There's a saying,"Mental illness is just like any other medical illness" which I resonate to very much as I personally feel that we should treat them in a similar manner like how we treat others.
I love how Haresh Sharma touches on mental illness fully as society often stigmatises it. In the play, the protagonists are of two very different personalities which slowly evolves into a bitter-sweet friendship. Haresh Sharma touches on how society often shield and isolate the mentally ill ones which they did not realise it might leave a huge impact on the protagonists later in the play. From snippets of Vinod's work employer to his university days, army days and even scenes with Razali. All of it slowly adds up to his vulnerabilities which lead to his first major breakdown during his army day which made him turn into solace towards Razali which then fails on him too and made him lose trust on people even more. Saloma on the other hand, starts off being shy, very different from Vinod. But towards the middle of the play, she became someone that none of us will probably think of. A role reversal between the two characters which is shocking yet beautiful in some sense.
All mental patients deserves a second chance and they will shine as brightly as one of us one day too.
There's a saying,"Mental illness is just like any other medical illness" which I resonate to very much as I personally feel that we should treat them in a similar manner like how we treat others.
February 27, 2025
I don’t really fancy reading plays. I prefer reading novels and fictional stories instead of plays because firstly there’s lesser words used in plays which makes me feel uncomfortable in a sense that I’m unable to fully grasp and understand the feelings of the characters. Secondly, I like reading beautiful and well crafted phrases and paragraphs (not saying plays are not beautiful or well crafted). I like learning new words and phrases I can use in my own writings. But once this book was introduced to me as one of my literature books I am required to read, I was really into it.
The fun of reading this book is seeing the contrasting characters between Vinod and Saloma. Not only that, being able to dissect why there are certain scenes placed at certain areas of the play, why the characters react and behave a certain way, and also the different figurative language that are present. I was also able to get more in depth about how a person suffering from depression (Vinod) and a person suffering from schizophrenia (Saloma) react, behave, think, and also go through. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this book is because it is situated in my country so it feels so close to home. Another reason was because I was able to watch the actual play 25 years later with my classmates with the same main characters. Of course watching it up close made me more emotional compared to reading the book itself. Overall, it is an amazing book and it opened my eyes to the world of mental health.
The fun of reading this book is seeing the contrasting characters between Vinod and Saloma. Not only that, being able to dissect why there are certain scenes placed at certain areas of the play, why the characters react and behave a certain way, and also the different figurative language that are present. I was also able to get more in depth about how a person suffering from depression (Vinod) and a person suffering from schizophrenia (Saloma) react, behave, think, and also go through. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this book is because it is situated in my country so it feels so close to home. Another reason was because I was able to watch the actual play 25 years later with my classmates with the same main characters. Of course watching it up close made me more emotional compared to reading the book itself. Overall, it is an amazing book and it opened my eyes to the world of mental health.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
Off centre gives an insight to people living with mental illness, and how eventually one cripples and the other on the road to recovery. The book emphasises on discrimination and prejudice in today's society and how badly it affected the loves of people living with mental illnesses.The many events and people that Saloma and Vinod meet before knowing one another adds on to the complications in their already dreadful lives.
What particularly struck me was the robbery scene, which was the turning point where both characters took the incident in a different light. Vinod, from the optimistic, friendly, bright and humorous man, to a pessimistic, cynical and possessive one. Saloma on the other hand, went from being negative, shy and introverted, to a completely different person.
The narrators give the characters a neutral side which helps readers to understand the character better, but at the same time Sharma puts the narrators in a way that characters come into conflict with them and makes the plot more interesting.
Overall i enjoyed the book and through studying about it for awhile, im still learning how even characters who made small appearances could impact the main characters. It is a very interesting way of showing the society ostracising people with mental illness and the effects of it.
What particularly struck me was the robbery scene, which was the turning point where both characters took the incident in a different light. Vinod, from the optimistic, friendly, bright and humorous man, to a pessimistic, cynical and possessive one. Saloma on the other hand, went from being negative, shy and introverted, to a completely different person.
The narrators give the characters a neutral side which helps readers to understand the character better, but at the same time Sharma puts the narrators in a way that characters come into conflict with them and makes the plot more interesting.
Overall i enjoyed the book and through studying about it for awhile, im still learning how even characters who made small appearances could impact the main characters. It is a very interesting way of showing the society ostracising people with mental illness and the effects of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2020
Off Centre is a play, where mental illness is discussed and extensively shown. The theme of this play is on mental illness. It discusses on society's treatment towards the mentally ill. Such as, how society tends to keep the affected off centre, and in some instances even making thier condition worse. The play, had also ensure thier plot is interesting. There are plot twists in certain parts, as the play had unexpected turnouts. The plot had breaking of the forth wall in the theater, it allowed the audiences to feel included in the play by the characters. This allows us audience to think, and places ourselves in the shoes of the ill. Moreover, foreshadowing of events had occurred in the play which provides a glimpse of the climax towards the end of the play. The characters are very interesting with ironical and various different qualities. They face downfalls, and changes in personalities and actions in the play. Each character do have strong relations and bonds with other characters in the play. Thus, this play is very interesting and explores the ill "Off centre". Their perspective of society and the problems and self-conflict they have due to society is discussed. In overall, the play is excellent and an eye-opener for all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
Off Centre is part of the Singapore cannon of literary works, and was also the first ever Singapore play to be selected for as an "O" and "N" level text for literature. As a student studying literature, i enjoyed this play very much as it allows a group of dedicated and passionate artists to research into matters beyond their life experiences, and to build a body of emotional and psychological knowledge. The characters , settings and dialogue are all recognisably Singaporean. For theatre with an agenda for social change such as Off Centre, it is important as audience see glimpses of themselves or their worlds on stage, so they can reflect upon and change their own attitudes and action. Moreover, this play calls out the audience and makes them think about their actions, and this is done by the characters breaking the forth wall and interacting with the audience. It is a production about mental illness that grapples with a great deal of pain, heartbreak and tragedy. Reading and watching this play definitely made me reflect upon my actions and become more sympathetic to the people around me.
April 21, 2020
Studied this text for 3 years and i must say that it is one of the best text i’ve ever read ! I really the emotions that were brought out were powerful and exquisite and also the way the text captures the struggles of having mental illness well .
In the play , the friendship of the protagonists were brought out beautifully with the distinct personalities and race , saloma who is shy and is a malay and vinod who is the alpha and is an indian . Though both of them are different but the way they are able to help one another despite having different mental illnesses was touching . As the play continues in the later part we get to see the build up of vinods vulnerability which led to his breakdown and eventual suicide and the growth of saloma which was quite shocking as there was a role reversal which i did not expect .
I highly recommend to read this text as it touches many sensitive areas of stigmisation which not many playwrites are able to do and the way it has brought an emotional impact to the readers teaching us that we should accept anyone regardless of our differences
June 21, 2020
"If Off Centre comes across angry at times, it's only because I was angry writing it. Yes, I was angry. We were angry. Angry enough to turn down S$30,000 so that we could stage the play on our own. Angry enough to rewrite the play and make it more "extreme"." - Haresh Sharma's notes on being commissioned by the Ministry of Health in Singapore and then turned down after seeing that the content of the play was too "extreme". This is an important play that has spark and will continue to spark many relevant conversations about the stigma against mental health in Singapore. I felt so angry reading the parts of Vinod in army and the climax of Vinod and Saloma at the void deck. Even though plays are supposed to be watched in real life, just reading the words made me understand the anger that Haresh speaks of, and it moved me immensely. Even the ending, what a play and I am so happy that students in Singapore are studying this for their 'O' Level and 'N' Level text and I can't wait to study and teach it myself.
February 5, 2019
I came in with high expectations for the book which is often touted as a powerful take on mental illness in the Singapore context, and the play certainly delivered in that respect.
POSSIBLY MAJOR SPOILERS
One of my favourite scenes is the one where Vinod was in NS(national service), his breakdown seemed disturbingly real. He gets reprimanded for it, but I believe anyone in his circumstance who isn't "off-centre" would have done the same.
While there were certainly many powerful scenes, I was slightly let down by the ending. It didn't move me as much as the scene I mentioned earlier. Yet, maybe that's what mental illness is like isn't it? Vinod broke down at what seemed like a typical awkward teenage prom experience. What we - or at least I - perceive as a paltry event can have surprisingly drastic repercussions.
I definitely want to see this live, I encourage anyone who has read the play to do the same.
POSSIBLY MAJOR SPOILERS
One of my favourite scenes is the one where Vinod was in NS(national service), his breakdown seemed disturbingly real. He gets reprimanded for it, but I believe anyone in his circumstance who isn't "off-centre" would have done the same.
While there were certainly many powerful scenes, I was slightly let down by the ending. It didn't move me as much as the scene I mentioned earlier. Yet, maybe that's what mental illness is like isn't it? Vinod broke down at what seemed like a typical awkward teenage prom experience. What we - or at least I - perceive as a paltry event can have surprisingly drastic repercussions.
I definitely want to see this live, I encourage anyone who has read the play to do the same.
April 21, 2020
This play surrounds the story of the main characters, Vinod and Saloma, whom are both diagnosed with mental illnesses. One diagnosed with depression, while the other suffers from schizophrenia. In this text, Haresh Sharma allows the readers to have an insight of the troubles and difficulties the main characters faces, in the context of Singapore’s society.
This play also conveys the main theme, discrimination and prejudice effectively. In this play, the notion of discrimination towards mentally-illed patients, the “off centre” is explored and it also reveals the ugly side of humanity, the cruelty of society as they possess an ignorant attitude towards these people, whom are not much different from us.
This play also conveys the main theme, discrimination and prejudice effectively. In this play, the notion of discrimination towards mentally-illed patients, the “off centre” is explored and it also reveals the ugly side of humanity, the cruelty of society as they possess an ignorant attitude towards these people, whom are not much different from us.
January 4, 2024
Early play and the skills and content can still be refined
- Act 1 Scene 1: very funny when using Rasa Sayang to express the concept of "poetic" (forgive me I'm a Hongkonger not Singaporean)
- how to deal with a past friend with mental illness remains an issue not just in Singapore
- Singlish script: even when it's Singlish, it still sounds like Cantonese to me (e.g. "say sorry to her; say to me for what?" > my translation: 同佢講對唔住啦，同我講做乜？; vivid and direct message)
- days in Oasis Club will never return, so are our youth
- Vinod realises society's rejection to accept people who are "off centre" so might as well be "off centre", i.e. 破罐子破摔 (my friend translated it as "what-the-hell" mentality in English)
- Act 1 Scene 1: very funny when using Rasa Sayang to express the concept of "poetic" (forgive me I'm a Hongkonger not Singaporean)
- how to deal with a past friend with mental illness remains an issue not just in Singapore
- Singlish script: even when it's Singlish, it still sounds like Cantonese to me (e.g. "say sorry to her; say to me for what?" > my translation: 同佢講對唔住啦，同我講做乜？; vivid and direct message)
- days in Oasis Club will never return, so are our youth
- Vinod realises society's rejection to accept people who are "off centre" so might as well be "off centre", i.e. 破罐子破摔 (my friend translated it as "what-the-hell" mentality in English)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2017
Knowing the background of the play, the interviews and research that went into it helps overcome the irksome feeling that arises when reading the disjointed, staccato lines in which Vinod and Saloma sometimes speak. Reading this still didn't change my opinion of Being Haresh Sharma though.
___
I don't like NUS. I went there once after my army and told myself I'm never going back. The people there are so competitive, so shallow, no brains, no soul. I think they will all graduate to become experts at photocopying.
I'd rather not talk about my parents. Their careers are going well. They are top people. So high you cannot see them anymore.
___
I don't like NUS. I went there once after my army and told myself I'm never going back. The people there are so competitive, so shallow, no brains, no soul. I think they will all graduate to become experts at photocopying.
I'd rather not talk about my parents. Their careers are going well. They are top people. So high you cannot see them anymore.
Read
April 22, 2020Off Centre traces the friendship of two ex-mental patients,Saloma and Vinod and the problems and hurdles they have overcome.This include social stigma,prejudice and personal conflicts.The play uses many techniques of flashbacks-moving the character in and out of their normal selves to elicit their rational and emotional experiences.A few significant characters in this play is Mak,Razali and Emily.A few remarkable settings are Saloma and Vinod both in their respective bedrooms,halfway house,boid deck and oasisi club function.Literary devuces like foreshadowing metaphor and imagery are used in the play.Saloma and Vinod play also as their own Narrators too.
February 11, 2019
I really liked it. It’s moving and raw, and doesn’t shy away from the painful experiences mental patients face. I watched the ply and it was equally brilliant. The ending was abrupt and touching, personally I thought it detailed how for depressive patients, objectively minor issues can be a trigger for them. An important read!!!
July 2, 2018
I remember reading this book for my O levels many many years ago. The power and impact of this story is not lost more than a decade later, and I remember how much I was left with when I watched the actual production, which definitely elevated the story.
January 22, 2021
Great book. Would highly reccomend. Offers great insight on how people with mental illness are perseved in a conformist society like singapore as well as offers critic on singapores competitive education system
January 23, 2025
I read this when I was 16. This was my first brush with Singapore Literature because it was a compulsory text. Somehow, in trying to portray mental health accurately, I left with an even more distorted understanding of it.
January 1, 2019
4.5 stars. Amazing.
August 29, 2022
i love this play so much, and i loved analysing it during lit. so much analysis and symbolism. relevant when it came out, and still very much relevant today
October 6, 2022
didn’t rlly like it. solid 0.9 stars. it was v short and stuff so eh
April 17, 2024
incisive, striking, and definitely ahead of its time. should make me uncomfortable, and does
January 16, 2024
read this for school and it was rly eye opening, makes u reflect on society as a whole. Saloma’s mom’s character was very well written
August 20, 2016
The book is relatively short and yet, succinct.
There are 2 main characters (Vinod and Saloma), who are both described as 'off-centre'. The book showcases their thoughts and emotions and it is interesting to see how their paths converged and diverged. Watching them grow and interact with a multitude of characters, and seeing how it shaped them captured my attention.
I don't think this review could do justice to a book that manages to touch and expound on mental illnesses so well that I could understand and see it as well. The societal impact and the personal impact on these individuals. What was most shocking yet eye-opening was the fact that maybe we as a society have not done right by these individuals. We have shunned them away and treated them as outcasts. This play has definitely taken a difficult and 'taboo' subject and brought it to light and forced us 'normal' people to acknowledge it and our actions.
This is an incredibly play that I feel people have to read, so that one day society's outlook on mental illnesses can change.
P.S. This book was written in the local context of Singapore and the characters are all very local (there is local slang and Malay language used in the play). I believe this has served to enhance the heightened emotions.
There are 2 main characters (Vinod and Saloma), who are both described as 'off-centre'. The book showcases their thoughts and emotions and it is interesting to see how their paths converged and diverged. Watching them grow and interact with a multitude of characters, and seeing how it shaped them captured my attention.
I don't think this review could do justice to a book that manages to touch and expound on mental illnesses so well that I could understand and see it as well. The societal impact and the personal impact on these individuals. What was most shocking yet eye-opening was the fact that maybe we as a society have not done right by these individuals. We have shunned them away and treated them as outcasts. This play has definitely taken a difficult and 'taboo' subject and brought it to light and forced us 'normal' people to acknowledge it and our actions.
This is an incredibly play that I feel people have to read, so that one day society's outlook on mental illnesses can change.
P.S. This book was written in the local context of Singapore and the characters are all very local (there is local slang and Malay language used in the play). I believe this has served to enhance the heightened emotions.
February 24, 2013
"Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer
Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world"
Yeats, The Second Coming
I really liked this play and its themes of people who are different, struggling, and marginalized by a society that thinks of them as "off-centre". Perhaps one of the reasons why I could relate to this is because of its local setting. Certain issues did cut through me like a knife; particularly how I think of people who behave differently from me. We think the only people who are people, are the people who think and act just like us. Though I may not act like it, I see and observe my mind doing these things, and it makes me ashamed. Am glad to have read this.
The falcon cannot hear the falconer
Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world"
Yeats, The Second Coming
I really liked this play and its themes of people who are different, struggling, and marginalized by a society that thinks of them as "off-centre". Perhaps one of the reasons why I could relate to this is because of its local setting. Certain issues did cut through me like a knife; particularly how I think of people who behave differently from me. We think the only people who are people, are the people who think and act just like us. Though I may not act like it, I see and observe my mind doing these things, and it makes me ashamed. Am glad to have read this.
February 13, 2016
...I got absorbed into the story. Perhaps I have a new appreciation for this genre now that I took a class & actually struggled to write a play. I love how the characters in Off Centre contrast each other, especially Saloma & Vinod. & I... didn't expect how Vinod turned out in the end. So... yeah. Very thought-provoking, very interesting portrayal of mental illness & very fascinating perspective on Singapore's... hmm, society & mindset? Yep.
April 29, 2024
This was my O level play text. Incredibly beautiful story of 2 individuals put together against the odds of Singaporean society. Haresh’s elements of music and slang created a really vivid picture of what it was like to be someone who suffered from mental illness in the 90s. Cried after rereading it again. Tragic ending be warned!
February 6, 2008
This book highlights the plight of mental patients in society and how they are viewed by friends,family and the society at large. It talks about their struggle to fit in and how the patients long for people to view them as "normal".
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