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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sun, Oct 11, 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

RSVP online early as seating is limited in the studio theater.

When
Oct 11
Sun, Oct 11, 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 civic connection in a structured, supportive environment. What to Know: The event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham on Sunday, October 11, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. While the event welcomes all ages, the abstract nature of the discussion makes it best suited for high school students and adults. Free parking is available in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center on weekends. This is a thoughtful Sunday evening option if you want to step away from screens and connect with your local community. It offers a rare space for teenagers to practice civil discourse and hear diverse perspectives outside of a classroom setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this event?
No, the event is entirely free to the public, but you do need to RSVP online beforehand to reserve your seat.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park in the campus lots directly surrounding the arts center, which are free to the public on Sunday evenings.
Is this event appropriate for young children?
While all ages are permitted, the format relies on sustained conversation and abstract concepts, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 11

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sun, Oct 11, 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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