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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sat, Oct 10, 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

Register early online and bring your teens for a thoughtful night out.

When
Oct 10
Sat, Oct 10, 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 gathering hosted by Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography that encourages open dialogue among participants. Attendees will gather in a shared space to listen, speak, and share perspectives on community issues in a structured, supportive environment. What to Know: The event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center on Duke's campus in Durham. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. While the event is open to all ages, the reflective nature of the discussion is best suited for adults and teenagers. Free parking is typically available in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center on weekends. This gathering offers a rare opportunity to step away from daily routines and connect with neighbors on a deeper level. It is a thoughtful addition to your weekend plans if you want to engage in meaningful civic conversation and hear new perspectives from the local community.

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 space.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
The gathering is held at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Convenient parking is available in the campus lots surrounding the venue.
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 teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 10

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sat, Oct 10, 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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