As part of her Ph.D. research Susan participated in a ‘Hypothesis Test‘ during which she played a recent composition and disseminated it through a performance of the act of ‘non-place waiting’ (that uncomfortable state of waiting for medical results, treatments and outcomes. The type of waiting that feels endless, purposeless, uncomfortable, and even, harrowing)

The composition itself utilises a musical cryptogram translating the word ‘cancer’ into musical notes. The music is repetitive and durational, demanding the audience sit listening quietly through interest and enjoyment, into discomfort and boredom.

(Susan Matthews, ‘Cancer Cryptogram’, December, 2025, Dynevor Centre, Swansea)

Watch an extract of the performance on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjVivFM2k54