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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Thu, Oct 8, 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

Reserve your spot online early and aim to arrive 15 minutes before 7 PM.

When
Oct 8
Thu, Oct 8, 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 open, structured dialogue with neighbors. What to Know: This event is free and open to all ages, making it a thoughtful outing for parents with teenagers who are interested in civic discussion and social issues. The gathering takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. You will need to RSVP online before attending. Parking is available in the campus pay lots nearby, so give yourself an extra fifteen minutes to park and walk to the venue. This is a grounded, reflective option for your Thursday evening if you want to step away from screens and participate in real, face-to-face community connection.

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 spot.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves deep conversation and quiet listening, making it best suited for adults and teenagers.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can use the paid visitor parking spaces at the Duke University campus lots located near the arts center on Campus Drive.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 8

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Thu, Oct 8, 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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