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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Wed, Oct 21, 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 21
Wed, Oct 21, 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 conversation among strangers. Participants will gather to share perspectives, listen to different viewpoints, and explore collective community ideas in a structured, supportive environment. This event is open to all ages, though the reflective nature of the discussion makes it best suited for adults and mature teenagers. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. The event takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center, which offers nearby campus parking lots and accessible facilities. If you are looking for a meaningful way to connect with the local community and help your older kids practice active listening, this mid-week gathering offers a thoughtful break from your usual routine.

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 space.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
Visitor parking is available in the paid lots near the campus arts center, with the closest options located along Campus Drive and Anderson Street.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are welcome, the focus on quiet listening and deep conversation makes this best for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 21

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Wed, Oct 21, 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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