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M. Gessen: Hope, Hopelessness & Human Rights

Date: Mon, Sep 28, 2026

Time: 6 PM - 7:30 PM

Venue: Page Auditorium, Durham

Price: Free

Category: Community

One of our most trenchant observers of democracy, M. Gessen is the author of eleven books, including the National Book Award-winning The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia and The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin. A Pulitzer Prize-winning Opinion writer at The New York Times, they have covered political subjects including Russia, L.G.B.T. rights, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and the rise of autocracy among others. They are currently at work on a biography of Hannah Arendt. Presented by Duke Human Rights Center, Franklin Humanities Institute, and Duke Provost Office

Community · Durham

M. Gessen: Hope, Hopelessness & Human Rights

Park in the Bryan Center Garage and arrive 30 minutes early for good seats.

When
Sep 28
Mon, Sep 28, 2026
6 PM - 7:30 PM
Where
Page Auditorium
Durham, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
durhamfree

M. Gessen: Hope, Hopelessness & Human Rights is a free public lecture at Duke University featuring the acclaimed New York Times opinion writer and author. The discussion will focus on modern democracy, autocracy, and global human rights issues. This event is best suited for parents and high school students who are interested in journalism, history, or political science. Admission is free, but you will want to arrive early to secure seats inside Page Auditorium. Parking is available in the nearby Bryan Center Garage on Duke's West Campus for a small hourly fee. It is a worthwhile weekday outing for families with older teens, offering a rare chance to hear from a National Book Award winner right here in Durham. The early evening schedule also leaves plenty of time to grab dinner nearby on Ninth Street afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this event suitable for young children?
No, the subject matter focuses on complex political topics and autocracy, making it best suited for high school students and adults.
Do I need to purchase tickets for this lecture?
No, this community event is free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where should we park at Page Auditorium?
The closest parking is the Bryan Center Parking Garage, located at 125 Science Drive, which charges an hourly rate.

Last updated

FREE

Sep 28

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

M. Gessen: Hope, Hopelessness & Human Rights runs Mon, Sep 28, 2026, 6 PM - 7:30 PM.

Getting There

Page Auditorium is at 402 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Page Auditorium

What to Bring

Nothing but the kids — this one's free, with no tickets to buy.

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