every.single.one, Southern Theater, 2024 Minnesota Fringe Festival, Minneapolis, MN. USA (Photo: Dave Suggs)
RESEARCH
“every.single.one: Assessing Impact on Audiences of a Theatrical Performance About Cancer”
This research project seeks to understand the impact of the multimedia one-woman performance, “every.single.one,” on audience members regarding attitude, empathy, and knowledge regarding two primary topics: 1) multicomponent interventions for cancer treatment and 2) the experience and science of hereditary cancer. The solo performance performed by the principal investigator (Cherie Sampson) is about her lived experience with cancer. It depicts personal, familial, and community stories of hereditary cancer while exploring topics of genetics, integrative oncology, and healing from the patient’s perspective of modern medicine. Several important narratives are interwoven throughout the performance. One is patient navigation of integrative methods of healing (integrative oncology) to support emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual well-being during and after treatment. Creative arts are among those modalities including a dance practice, reflecting the ways the artist engaged these activities during treatment and recovery. Anticipated outcomes are expansion of or contribution to knowledge in the field/s of arts & health, narrative medicine, medical humanities, and whole person care studies. Results from this research could expand awareness of hereditary cancer risks, science of genetics, disparities in access to genetic testing, and possibly greater appreciation for the role of “creative health” and complementary approaches to health and well-being that include participation and involvement with the arts in some capacity in healthcare and/or self-care environments. University of Missouri IRB# 2101822.
Co-investigator: Dr. Kandice Grossman, Professor of Sociology, Truman State University. With research assistance from Jessica Osaze, Doctoral candidate, University of Missouri Healthcare. We are in the process of analyzing the data and drafting an article for journal submission.