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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Fri, Oct 2, 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

Submit your RSVP online early as seating at the Ruby is limited.

When
Oct 2
Fri, Oct 2, 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. Instead of watching a traditional stage performance, attendees gather to share perspectives, listen to different viewpoints, and explore collective ideas in a structured, supportive environment. This event is open to all ages, though the reflective nature of the discussion makes it best suited for parents and teenagers. It takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online in advance to secure your spot. Parking is available in the campus pay lots nearby, so give yourself an extra ten minutes to park and walk to the venue. If you are looking for a way to help your older kids practice civil discourse and connect with the broader Durham community, this gathering offers a structured, thoughtful outlet. It is a quiet, meaningful addition to your weekend plans that moves beyond the usual commercial entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this event?
No, the event is completely free to the public, but you do need to register online in advance to secure your seat.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the focus on deep conversation and quiet listening makes this most appropriate for adults and teenagers.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can use the paid visitor parking lots on Duke's campus, such as the Campus Drive Lot directly across the street from the arts center.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 2

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Fri, Oct 2, 2026, 7 PM - 9 PM. It repeats daily.

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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