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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Tue, Oct 13, 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 high schoolers for great civic discussion.

When
Oct 13
Tue, Oct 13, 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 to share perspectives and listen to others in a structured, supportive environment. Instead of watching a traditional stage play, attendees actively participate in a guided group conversation designed to explore collective ideas and community concerns. What to Know: The event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Admission is 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 high school students and adults. Free parking is typically available in the Campus Drive lot after 5 PM, which is a short walk from the venue. This gathering offers a thoughtful weekday outing for parents and older teens who want to step away from screens and practice real-world civic dialogue. It is a straightforward, low-pressure opportunity to connect with the broader Durham community on a deeper level.

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 register online beforehand using the provided RSVP form.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While the organizers welcome all ages, the format consists of two hours of focused conversation and quiet listening, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
Visitors can park in the Campus Drive lot located directly across the street from the arts center, which is free to the public during evening hours.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 13

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Tue, Oct 13, 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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