Skip to main content

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Mon, Oct 5, 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

Fill out the online RSVP form early as studio theater seating is limited.

When
Oct 5
Mon, Oct 5, 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. Attendees will gather to share perspectives, listen to different viewpoints, and participate in a collaborative group discussion without any set scripts or expected outcomes. What to Know: This event takes place on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. The program is open to all ages and abilities, though the abstract nature of the discussion makes it most appropriate for high school students and adults. Parking is available in the campus lots near the arts center. This event makes a thoughtful weekday outing for parents and older teens who want to step away from screens and participate in real, face-to-face community conversations.

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 RSVP online beforehand to reserve your seat.
What age group is this discussion best for?
While all ages are welcome, the conceptual focus on civic dialogue and deep democracy is best suited for teenagers and adults.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
The event is held at the Rubenstein Arts Center on Duke's campus in Durham. Visitors can use the nearby campus pay lots or street parking along Campus Drive.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 5

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Mon, Oct 5, 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.

Community Guides

All guides →