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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Wed, Oct 28, 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

RSVP early online and bring your teens for a thoughtful midweek outing.

When
Oct 28
Wed, Oct 28, 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 brings people together for open, facilitated conversation. Participants will gather in a shared space to listen, share perspectives, and discuss community topics without the pressure of formal roles or expectations. What to Know: The event takes place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online in advance to secure a spot. While the event is open to all ages, the reflective nature of the discussion makes it best suited for parents, young adults, and teenagers who enjoy civic dialogue. Free parking is available after 5 PM in the Campus Drive lot directly across from the arts center. This gathering offers a rare midweek opportunity to step away from screens and connect with your neighbors on a deeper level. It is a thoughtful option for parents looking to engage in meaningful civic discussion alongside their older children.

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 register online in advance to reserve your seat.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park for free after 5 PM in the Campus Drive lot, which is located directly across the street from the venue.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves two hours of focused conversation, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 28

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Wed, Oct 28, 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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