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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Wed, Sep 30, 2026

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Venue: Rubenstein Arts Center, von der Heyden Studio Theater, Durham

Price: Free

Category: Community

Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography invites you to participate in its latest venture, Theater. Spend an evening in meaningful conversation with strangers. Listen, speak, disagree, remain silent, and encounter others without judgment or fear. Discover what the collective body is thinking and dreaming about. Experience what deep democracy can feel like when you find yourself embedded in an ecology of concerns with no predetermined roles or outcomes. Bring friends. People of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcome. ‘A glimpse of democratic thought stripped of theater’ To RSVP - please follow this linkhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1PijBjgGltXtfwDRuJcV3ZhJ26Vs7ue-hPPvCv36jeTNeaQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=108919475168373824097 This event is supported by Belonging? a contribution by the Arts and Humanities departments of Trinity College to We the People: A Duke and Durham Initiative. Belonging? is funded by Trinity College and Duke Arts. Theater was developed by the Laboratory for Social Choreography, under the direction of Prof. Michael Kliën, at the Kenan Institute for Ethics.

Community · Durham

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

RSVP online early and bring your teenagers for a night of civic dialogue.

When
Sep 30
Wed, Sep 30, 2026
7 PM - 9 PM
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
durhamfreefamily friendly

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy is an interactive community forum hosted by Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography that encourages open dialogue among participants. The evening focuses on guided conversation, active listening, and sharing perspectives with neighbors in a structured, supportive environment. What to Know: The event takes place on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online in advance to secure a spot. This gathering is best suited for parents, college students, and mature teenagers who are interested in civic discussion. Parking is available in the nearby campus lots, though you should allow extra time to walk to the von der Heyden Studio Theater. This event makes a thoughtful mid-week outing for parents looking to connect with the broader Durham community. It is a rare opportunity to step away from screens and participate in meaningful, face-to-face conversations about shared civic values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this community event?
No, the event is completely free to the public, but you do need to register online beforehand to reserve your seat.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the format of structured civic dialogue is best suited for adults and mature teenagers.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
Visitors can use the paid campus visitor lots nearby, but be sure to arrive fifteen minutes early to park and walk to the theater.

Last updated

FREE

Sep 30

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Wed, Sep 30, 2026, 7 PM - 9 PM.

Getting There

Rubenstein Arts Center, von der Heyden Studio Theater is at 2020 Campus Drive, Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

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What to Bring

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

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