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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sat, Oct 24, 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 online early and bring your teens for a thoughtful night of discussion.

When
Oct 24
Sat, Oct 24, 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 into open, facilitated conversation. Rather than watching a traditional stage play, attendees gather to speak, listen, and share perspectives on community issues in a structured, supportive environment. If you plan to attend, the event is free but requires an RSVP online to secure your spot. It takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. While the event welcomes all ages, the reflective and conversational nature of the program makes it best suited for parents, young adults, and teenagers who enjoy civic discussion. Parking is available in the nearby campus lots, though you should allow extra time to walk to the venue. This is an excellent weekend pick if you want to step away from screens and connect with your local neighbors on a deeper level. It offers a thoughtful, quiet space to practice active listening and share ideas during a busy autumn season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this event?
No, the event is completely free to the public, but you must register in advance using the online RSVP form to secure your seat.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
Visitors can park in the paid campus lots nearby, such as the Campus Drive Lot or the Duke University Museum of Art lot, which are a short walk from the venue.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are permitted, the format relies on quiet listening and group discussion, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 24

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sat, Oct 24, 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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