The Glitch Interview: S. J. Fowler

C James Fagan throws the rule book out of the window for his interview with Syndrome’s latest resident artist, poet, performer, and muse, S. J. Fowler…

Syndrome is an event; it is a place where poetics, technology and movement meet. Tonight, Syndrome Sessions 2.1: CHOROS opens; the latest in a series of interactive installations, held, as always, at the micro Victorian warehouse 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool.

But what does CHOROS mean? The closest Google can get is that choro is a ‘little cry’; Syndrome tells us that it is an environment created by Jamie Glendhill and Stefan Kazassoglou where bodily movements will be recorded and reproduced into electronic echoes.

If that weren’t enough, into this space steps S. J. Fowler: poet, performer, master of the martial arts. Who’ll be using CHOROS as a boxing ring, to perform a element of The Book Five Rings: a piece regarding the sport of western shadow boxing. Making the space his sparring partner, his pugilistic antagonist. The Ivan Drago to his Rocky. It is, in his own words, “one of the most innovative and intensive pieces of performance art that I’ve ever undertaken.”

Before he gets punch drunk, I approached S. J. Fowler to conduct a pre-match interview, in the style that Syndrome is most accustomed: glitch. That slippery art of electrical tomfoolery. These questions are taken randomly from other interviews, found exams, questionnaires, and personality tests.

What sound or noise do you love?

The word Osu. A Japanese word that means a lot of good things at once.

Spontaneity or stability?

Stability.

What do you prefer: Giving or Receiving?

Receiving.

If you were Santa Claus…

… I’d change the last answer.

Constants are changing.

Paradox.

Are there other ways to treat my condition?

Need more information. But yes, probably. Eat better, exercise, first port of call.

What are your weaknesses?

I’m actively trying to seek them and work on them, but I must recognise they are perpetual and improving; one will create another. So whatever I give will be temporary. At the moment I still retain a quick temper based on a prideful and unnecessary sensitivity to rudeness and lack of perspective in other people.

Who are you and why?

I don’t ever want to be able to answer that question.

How would you describe the work culture here?

In Liverpool? Don’t know, don’t work here much. More relaxed than London, people actually converse here.

What time do you switch off the mist here?

What time is your next appointment?!

How long?

40 minutes.

If we could go backwards…

We can.

Is David Bowie dying?

Don’t care.

You must wake

What?

Who’s zooming who?

Don’t know. 

What is the most likely cause of the unexpected appearance of a new characteristic within a species?

Adaptation to environment.

What would be responsible for an increased rate of mutation?

Increased change of environment.

Do you often sing and whistle just for fun?

No.

Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Yes and no.

Do you wanna dance?

No.

Would you agree that an element of risk adds spice to life?

Improves life, yes, necessary.

Do you like wide-open windows?

No. A hazard.

S. J. Fowler, Syndrome: thank you.

C James Fagan

More from S.J. Fowler at sjfowlerpoetry.com and on Twitter @stevenjfowler

Syndrome Sessions 2.1: CHOROS opens for play tonight 5.30-7.30pm, 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool; and then daily 10am-4pm until Sunday 24 August 2014 — FREE entry

Read Witches, Childbirth and Virus… Syndrome Sessions 0.1 Reviewed