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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Tue, Oct 27, 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 RSVP form early since seating in the studio theater is limited.

When
Oct 27
Tue, Oct 27, 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 different viewpoints, and practice civic connection in a supportive environment without pressure or expectations. This event is open to all ages, though the reflective nature of the discussion makes it best suited for high schoolers and adults. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. The event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham, which offers nearby campus parking lots that are typically open to visitors in the evening. If you are looking for a meaningful way to connect with the local community, this gathering offers a thoughtful alternative to typical weekend entertainment. It is a quiet, constructive space to help older kids practice active listening and civic engagement outside of a classroom setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this community event?
No, the event is completely free to the public, but you do need to RSVP online beforehand to reserve your seat.
What age group is this event 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?
Visitors can use the campus pay lots nearby, or look for free street parking along Campus Drive after hours.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 27

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Tue, Oct 27, 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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