Noise is ubiquitous in a city; every day we are exposed to a wide range of sounds, from blaring jackhammers, obnoxious beeping horns or the screeching of trains entering a subway station. It is a wonder that more of us are not hard of hearing! Within this complex urban world of loud sounds and ever-present action, it would perhaps not be too far of a stretch to say that silence would be easily passed over. However, oftentimes silence is what attracts people, as is the case with Pearl, a statuesque mime whose delicate movements force the audience to slow their busy pace and contemplate the woefully underrepresented virtue of silence.

I have seen Pearl many times in the subway and various parks around the city, and every time I do I am impressed with her ability to captivate a large crowd of people, many of whom seem to be very surprised that New York has mimes. Watching her, I am struck with a fanatical nostalgia for Charlie Chaplin and silent films. Her charm is such that she captivates people, encouraging them to find their own silent voice and interact with her. She is extremely graceful with her actions, a fact that results in an instant likeability and the formation of a rather comfortable environment.

She wears lovingly crafted costumes that are clearly modeled in a Victorian style, and uses a variety of props, from umbrellas to wings and handkerchiefs, most of which seem to carry on a distinct theme that echoes her costume. She encourages audience participation in her performances, something that guarantees that she will be fondly remembered by those who stumble upon her.