Deviating from cliches in art can draw attention to the deviation. 

The deviation enters in to a conversation with the expected cliche, spurring consideration of why the deviation was chosen to be in dialogue with the piece of art.

A recent example prefaced The Seagull at London’s Barbican Theatre, when its preshow announcement ended with, “Sit back, be present, and enjoy the show.” 

Why is “be present” a more fitting introduction to this specific version of The Seagull than the customary “relax?” And how might this switcheroo relate to the production’s interrogation of art’s function?