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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Fri, Oct 16, 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

Submit your RSVP online early as seating at the Ruby is limited.

When
Oct 16
Fri, Oct 16, 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 focused on open dialogue and collective reflection. Hosted by Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography, this evening invites participants to share perspectives, listen to others, and discuss community concerns in a supportive environment without set scripts or expectations. If you plan to attend, the event takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online beforehand to secure your spot. While the event welcomes all ages, the abstract nature of the discussion is best suited for adults and teenagers who can engage in mature conversation. Parking is available in the campus pay lots near the arts center. This event makes a thoughtful addition to your weekend plans if you want to connect with your Durham neighbors on a deeper level. It offers a rare chance to step away from daily routines and participate in a structured, peaceful civic dialogue.

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 in advance using the online RSVP form.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the focus on deep conversation and civic reflection makes this most appropriate for adults and teenagers.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
Visitors can use the paid campus parking lots located within walking distance of the arts center on Duke's campus.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 16

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Fri, Oct 16, 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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