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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Mon, Oct 26, 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 for free in the Campus Drive lot after 5 PM.

When
Oct 26
Mon, Oct 26, 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 residents. Participants gather in a shared space to discuss current societal questions, practice listening to differing viewpoints, and connect with neighbors in a structured, supportive environment. What to Know: The event takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. This program is best suited for adults and mature teenagers who can participate in quiet reflection and group discussions. Free parking is available after 5:00 PM in the Campus Drive lot directly across the street from the arts center. This gathering offers a thoughtful way to start your week, giving you and your older kids a chance to step away from screens and participate in real, face-to-face community connection.

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?
You can park for free after 5:00 PM in the Campus Drive lot, which is located right across the street from the venue.
Is this program suitable for young children?
This event is designed for adults and teenagers who can engage in mature, quiet conversations and active listening.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 26

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Mon, Oct 26, 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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