Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Video: "Man In White Dress" Preaches Joy At Astor Place


By

Ben Yakas

Published Nov 27, 2011

Modified Nov 27, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

blkahn's flickr

 


By

Ben Yakas

Published Nov 27, 2011

Modified Nov 27, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

We've noticed the so-called "man in white dress" popping up in lower Manhattan more and more the past few months, particular near The Cube at Astor Place. And it turns out that he is none other than performance artist Matthew Silver, who you may recall from the great Earwax-clown war of 2008. In the video below, watch as Silver amuses some passersby with one of his shows, which includes a song about "how it's OK to be gay."

Silver, who is also a filmmaker and standup comedian, explains on his website that he is "on a spiritual journey to make the entire world LAUGH at NOTHING." Below, check out more videos of him performing in various white dresses, as well as him, um, doing his thing on the subway recently.

Tagged

astor place

man in white dress

manhattan

matt silver

matthew silver

performance art


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 23, 2026


In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay

Arts & Entertainment

In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay


A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings

By

Hannah Frishberg

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

By

Sonia Rao

The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .