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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Thu, Oct 22, 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 park in the Campus Drive lot across the street.

When
Oct 22
Thu, Oct 22, 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. Attendees will gather in a shared space to discuss current social themes, practice active listening, and share perspectives with neighbors in a structured, supportive environment. This event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center on Duke's campus and is open to participants of all ages and backgrounds. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. For parking, the Campus Drive lot is the closest option to the venue, though you should allow extra time to park and walk to the theater. If you are looking for a way to connect with the local community beyond the usual weekend routine, this event offers a rare space for thoughtful discussion. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce older children and teenagers to civic dialogue and active listening in a real-world setting.

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 seat.
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 of charge during evening hours.
Is this event suitable for children?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves sustained conversation and quiet listening, making it best suited for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 22

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Thu, Oct 22, 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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