Changing the Game: How One Screenwriter is Rewriting the ‘Cancer Story’ with Burlesque and Heart

​For decades, coastal giants like New York City and Los Angeles have dominated the cinematic landscape, leaving the rest of the country as mere backdrop. But for Chicago-based screenwriter and 2023 ISA Fast Track Fellow, a thirteen-year residency in the Windy City has provided the ultimate creative antidote to coastal bias. Though originally hailing from the East Coast, the writer has proudly claimed Chicago as home—and as the anchor for her storytelling.

​”Moving to the Midwest has opened my eyes to how many other stories there are to tell,” she shares, noting a healthy chip on her shoulder regarding the industry’s geographical narrowness. “Chicago is an amazing city and it deserves to be the hub of more stories.”

​Finding Levity in the Darkest Places

​It is this distinct, grounded perspective that fuels her latest feature screenplay, Breast in Show. The script subverts the traditionally somber “cancer story” genre by infusing it with unexpected joy, comedy, and the art of burlesque. The plot follows Maya, a fiercely independent 26-year-old burlesque performer who, after losing both parents—including her mother to breast cancer—is diagnosed with the disease herself. Forced to navigate treatment, Maya’s journey shifts when she helps the senior citizens in her support group relearn how to love their bodies through burlesque, ultimately discovering that relying on a community is a strength, not a weakness.

​The narrative strikes a deeply personal chord. As a young breast cancer survivor and former burlesque dancer herself, the writer drew heavily from her own lived experiences to craft the script. While not strictly autobiographical, the emotional truth of the story shines through.

​”Seeing the experience of a young person going through cancer treatment without a tragic ending has the potential to be transformative for so many people,” she explains. “In spite of the heavy subject matter, the script is also very funny and heartwarming.”

​Empowering Voices and Next Steps

​Beyond its humor, Breast in Show is a fierce celebration of body positivity, especially for underrepresented demographics on screen. Viewers can expect to see a resonant portrayal of women—particularly those over the age of 50—learning to love themselves loudly and unapologetically.

​The screenplay has already garnered significant industry momentum, thanks in large part to the International Screenwriters’ Association (ISA). As a Fast Track Fellow, the writer received rigorous coaching to hone her personal pitch, culminating in a week of invaluable general meetings with executives, managers, and producers. The fellowship successfully bridged the gap between raw talent and industry connection, providing a lasting boost to her screenwriting career.

​The future looks bright for Breast in Show. The project has already attached the fantastic Jeannette Godoy as director, featuring vibrant promotional poster art by Tyler Clair Smith. As the script currently makes its rounds through several interested production companies, the creator is focused on finding the perfect partner to bring this vital, game-changing story to the screen.

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