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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Fri, Oct 9, 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 RSVP form early as seating in the studio theater is limited.

When
Oct 9
Fri, Oct 9, 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, facilitated dialogue. Rather than watching a traditional stage play, attendees gather to speak, listen, and share perspectives on current societal concerns in a supportive environment. What to Know: The event takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Admission is entirely free, but you must RSVP online in advance to secure a spot. While the event welcomes all ages, the abstract and conversational nature of the program makes it best suited for adults and high school students who can engage in mature discussions. Free parking is typically available on-site after 5:00 PM in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center. This is an excellent weekend pick if you want to step outside your usual social circle and help your older kids practice real-world civic engagement. It offers a thoughtful, screen-free Friday evening focused on connection and community building right in the heart of Durham.

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 fill out the online RSVP form in advance to reserve your seat.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While the organizers welcome all ages, the format consists of two hours of structured group conversation, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
Visitors can use the campus parking lots adjacent to the arts center, which are generally free and open to the public during evening weekend hours.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 9

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Fri, Oct 9, 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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