Right to Work: applied theatre, embodied storytelling and advocacy for workplace reintegration and equity for cancer survivors
September 2nd, 2026
Singapore
Michael Koon Boon Tan, Chao Min Tan
The article explores Right to Work, a theater program that uses storytelling to help cancer survivors navigate returning to employment. Through six workshops and two engagement sessions, survivors created and performed original monologues for workplace administrators. The study highlights how storytelling can build empathy, help participants process experiences, and promote workplace inclusion.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2026.2730178
Posted byAnandita Gupta
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Abstract/Description
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.
