About CocoonFunded by the Arts Council of Wales in 2025, Cocoon was a Research and Development project, a musical response to the challenges and joys of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience, from Beatrice Gbevegnon-Roper (aka Béa Shantifa) and Will Roper.
As a married couple and parents who have experienced the premature birth of their daughter (at 26 weeks), Cocoon tells the story of the emotional and sensory dimensions of this journey from the perspectives of a mother-of-colour and a father. This R&D fuses voice, instruments, samples, and field recordings, with mixed Visual Art, capturing the complexities of their experience. Discussions with healthcare professionals of Singleton Neonatal Unit in Swansea have enriched the project's research, resonating with both parents and staff and making "Cocoon" a meaningful connection within Arts and Health. |
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Through their artistic and therapeutic backgrounds, Béa and Will are passionate about using art as a tool for social impact.
Béa, an experienced singer, percussion player, dancer and founder of Wellness & Voice is deeply connected to her West African heritage and as a specialised Osteopath she brings a profound understanding of body-mind connection through her work.
Will, a performer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and Creative Practitioner currently training as a Music Therapist, aims to support others to develop their creative voices, deepening his understanding of the power of music for personal and community growth. Together, they connect with diverse audiences through music, fostering social change and cultural understanding.
Béa, an experienced singer, percussion player, dancer and founder of Wellness & Voice is deeply connected to her West African heritage and as a specialised Osteopath she brings a profound understanding of body-mind connection through her work.
Will, a performer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and Creative Practitioner currently training as a Music Therapist, aims to support others to develop their creative voices, deepening his understanding of the power of music for personal and community growth. Together, they connect with diverse audiences through music, fostering social change and cultural understanding.
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An Immersive Experience
Held at the Elysium Gallery in Swansea in June 2025, Cocoon became a deeply personal piece of original Music and Art,
directed, produced and performed by Béa and Will.
Audience (healthcare professionals and general public) engaged with the space exhibiting sculpture and process-driven art (painting, drawing and written poetry/lyrics), listening through silent-disco headphones to their original songs and other soundscape compositions, interlaced with live performance from both artists on kalimba, voice and guitar.
directed, produced and performed by Béa and Will.
Audience (healthcare professionals and general public) engaged with the space exhibiting sculpture and process-driven art (painting, drawing and written poetry/lyrics), listening through silent-disco headphones to their original songs and other soundscape compositions, interlaced with live performance from both artists on kalimba, voice and guitar.
Audience Feedback
"You gave us safe space to 'be' and 'feel' fear, frustration, love. Thank you for sharing you hearts so generously.
Raw, beautiful, memorable"
"An incredibly emotive, touching and deeply relaxing experience. Thank you for sharing such a creative way of
demonstrating your journey"
"Thank you for sharing your journey and emotional vulnerability with us through your art. I was very touched and moved to tears, so beautifully expressed. I hope this influences medical care in the future."
"Very moving and intimate piece of art imbedding beautiful sounds and lyrics . Could feel the love, the passion, the desperation... really inspiring! Thank you so much for your generosity to share with us"
"You gave us safe space to 'be' and 'feel' fear, frustration, love. Thank you for sharing you hearts so generously.
Raw, beautiful, memorable"
"An incredibly emotive, touching and deeply relaxing experience. Thank you for sharing such a creative way of
demonstrating your journey"
"Thank you for sharing your journey and emotional vulnerability with us through your art. I was very touched and moved to tears, so beautifully expressed. I hope this influences medical care in the future."
"Very moving and intimate piece of art imbedding beautiful sounds and lyrics . Could feel the love, the passion, the desperation... really inspiring! Thank you so much for your generosity to share with us"
We are welcoming artistic collaborations and funding opportunities to develop Cocoon.
Contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Photography Credit @Jack Moyse
©2025All rights reserved - Cocoon by Béa Shantifa & Will Roper
©2025All rights reserved - Cocoon by Béa Shantifa & Will Roper
