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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sun, Oct 25, 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 to secure your seat.

When
Oct 25
Sun, Oct 25, 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 conversation, active listening, and civic connection. Hosted by Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography, the evening invites participants to share perspectives, listen to strangers, and explore collective ideas in a structured, supportive environment. If you plan to attend, the event takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. While the program is open to all ages, the abstract nature of the discussion makes it most appropriate for high school students and adults. Admission is free, but you must register in advance using the online RSVP form. Parking is available in the campus lots near the arts center, though you should allow extra time to walk from your car. This event makes an excellent Sunday evening outing if you want to step away from screens and connect with the local community on a deeper level. It is a thoughtful way to start the week, especially for parents and older teens who enjoy discussing social issues and community building.

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 fill out the online RSVP form in advance to secure your spot.
What age group is this program best for?
While the organizers welcome everyone, the format involves sustained, mature conversation, making it best suited for adults and teenagers.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park in the paid visitor lots on Duke's campus, such as the Campus Drive Lot directly across from the arts center.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 25

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sun, Oct 25, 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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