Finding the right words can sometimes be a challenge, especially when describing the unique career path of David Jenkins, a prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and a seasoned mime artist.
Jenkins, a theater enthusiast from Flatbush, has made a significant impact as part of the DSA’s National Political Committee, the organization’s top decision-making entity. He has been a pivotal figure in advancing the political objectives of the socialist group, particularly in supporting Mayor Mamdani’s ascent to power.
A self-proclaimed anti-capitalist at age 40, Jenkins co-founded the Broken Box Mime Theater, where he showcases his talent for pantomime. His performances are often accompanied by a dynamic soundtrack and feature him in traditional mime makeup, captivating audiences with silent storytelling.
Photographs on Jenkins’ personal website reveal him dressed in classic black mime attire, with his face painted in white and adorned with black teardrops. In one image, he appears to be holding an imaginary map, while another captures him portraying a zombie in a staged apocalypse.
Beyond the theater, Jenkins brings his unique skill set, including fluency in Mandarin, to his political endeavors. He plays a crucial role in advancing the DSA’s progressive agenda, skillfully navigating both the worlds of performance art and political activism.
When he’s not on stage trapped in imaginary glass boxes or pulling an invisible rope, Jenkins — whose other special skills include fluency in Mandarin — plays a key role in getting the party’s radical agenda implemented.
During monthly meetings, Jenkins and the other 24 committee members vote on measures — like how to escalate their fight against ICE per March meeting agenda — then pressure their “socialists in office,” including Mamdani, to adopt them.
As a “libertarian socialist” — which is an anarchist caucus within the DSA that wants zero prisons or police as well as the complete abolition of all aspects of capitalism — Jenkins takes the more extreme positions.
“Jenkins is likely to agree with those more revolutionary people, but because he has done canvassing and does care about elections, he could be a swing vote,” said Stuart Smith, an analyst for the Manhattan Institute, who has studied the group.
Jenkins has taken credit for Mamdani’s Office of Community Safety, in a post to his comrades on a DSA discussion board.
“Zohran’s campaign is a genuinely incredible, historic success and honestly some of the easiest and best canvassing I’ve ever done. … I’m proud of members and friends who worked on his public safety plan, see all the echoes of work we’d done … the Department of Community Safety is an important step toward our abolitionist horizon, and where we need to start in NYC,” he wrote.
When he’s not miming, his other performance acts have included anti-police “pig squeaker” protests at City Hall.
Jenkins, a fervent hater of the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group, an elite special operations division that responds to mass shootings and major events – was among a troop of radicals at City Hall two years in a row protesting the police commissioner’s speech to the City Council.
“The first squeaks were sporadic, hidden, punctuating lies and evasion from the NYPD officials that were testifying,” Jenkins wrote in a manifesto he posted for DSA members. “Eventually, when we were discovered, we erupted in a chorus of squeaks and chants as we were escorted from the chamber. It wasn’t a revolution, but it was effective.”
Disbanding the SRG was one of Mamdani’s key campaign promises, and this week he vowed to go as far as overruling Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch if she doesn’t agree, according to the New York Times.
“Where is the department of mental health and hygiene? Where is the department of homeless services?” Jenkins shouted during another March 2024 City Hall protest, before being dragged by security while wearing a mask, and anti-police pig squeakers are heard in the background.
City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli panned the DSA — and its mime leader.
“I guess they’ve upgraded from the village idiot to the court jester,” he quipped.
Jenkins did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.
