Right to Work: applied theatre, embodied storytelling and advocacy for workplace reintegration and equity for cancer survivors.

Abstract

Background: Returning to work (RTW) after cancer is a complex process, influenced by psychosocial, emotional, and workplace factors. In Singapore, these challenges may be further compounded by cultural expectations and limited public discourse on chronic illness and disability. This paper reflects on Right to Work, an applied theatre (AT) pilot programme exploring performative storytelling with cancer survivors as an immersive advocacy initiative to promote workplace inclusion.

Methods: The programme comprised six AT workshops with cancer survivors, cumulating in two engagement sessions with workplace administrators, where survivors presented original monologues developed through the workshop process. Drawing on participant's feedback, the paper reflects on the creative processes of storytelling, rehearsal, witnessing and performance.

Findings: Three practice insights are discussed: embodied storytelling as a means of fostering connection, structured creative processes as a way of engaging with vulnerability and meaning-making, and advocacy as a relational and ongoing process.

Conclusion: The paper positions AT as a valuable approach for fostering understanding of survivorship experience and RTW.