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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Fri, Oct 23, 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

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

When
Oct 23
Fri, Oct 23, 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 strangers. Participants gather to share perspectives, listen to differing viewpoints, and explore collective civic 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 high school students and adults. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. The program takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham, which offers convenient parking in the nearby Campus Drive lot. If you are looking for a weekend activity that moves beyond the usual routine, this gathering offers a thoughtful way to connect with your neighbors. It is a quiet, constructive space to help older kids practice civic engagement and active listening outside of a classroom 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 space.
What age group is this program best for?
While all ages are welcome, the focus on deep conversation and quiet reflection makes this most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park in the Campus Drive lot directly across the street from the arts center, which is typically open to visitors during evening events.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 23

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Fri, Oct 23, 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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