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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Thu, Oct 1, 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

Register early online and park for free in the Campus Drive lot after 5 PM.

When
Oct 1
Thu, Oct 1, 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 invites participants into structured, open dialogue with neighbors. Rather than watching a traditional stage play, attendees participate in a facilitated group conversation where they can share perspectives, listen to different viewpoints, and connect with other residents in a supportive environment. This evening gathering takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham and is open to participants of all ages, making it a thoughtful outing for parents with high schoolers or college students. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. Parking is available in the Campus Drive lot directly across from the arts center, which is free after 5:00 PM. If you are looking for a weekend activity that moves beyond typical entertainment, this event offers a meaningful way to engage with the local community. It is a quiet, reflective space to help older kids practice civic dialogue and connect with the broader Triangle community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this event?
No, the event is completely free to the public, but you must RSVP online in advance to secure your spot.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park in the Campus Drive lot located directly across the street from the venue, which offers free parking after 5:00 PM.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the reflective and conversational nature of the event makes it best suited for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 1

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Thu, Oct 1, 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.

More events at Rubenstein Arts Center, von der Heyden Studio Theater

What to Bring

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

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