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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sat, Oct 3, 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 3
Sat, Oct 3, 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 listening, sharing perspectives, and exploring community issues together in a structured, supportive environment. If you plan to attend, the event is open to all ages and is entirely free, though you do need to RSVP online beforehand. The gathering takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham, which offers nearby campus parking. Because of the focus on deep conversation and quiet reflection, this event is best suited for adults and mature teenagers who can participate in group discussions. This is a refreshing weekend pick if you want to step away from screens, engage in meaningful face-to-face connection, and hear different perspectives from your Triangle neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this event?
No, the event is completely free to the public, but you must register online in advance to secure your spot.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
It takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in the von der Heyden Studio Theater on Duke's campus in Durham. Parking is available in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves quiet listening and deep conversation, making it most appropriate for adults and teenagers.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 3

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sat, Oct 3, 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.

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What to Bring

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

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