“Seven Idiomatic Pieces” is a performance series that explores mistranslations and metaphrase in language by reenacting seven English idioms. Although idioms might not make sense for many non-English speakers, I found out that they are like ready-made scripts that can be performed. For instance, the idiom, “the apple of my eye,” consists of two elements: apple and eye. However, what interests me most is how to use the two elements that seemingly have no connections to each other to make a performance in order to convey meanings or emotions. “Seven Idiomatic Pieces” focuses on the surface of the language and translates idioms into performative actions and gestures.

performed by Tran Chovic, photo and video by Shannon Harris