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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Thu, Oct 29, 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

Submit your RSVP online early since seating in the studio theater is limited.

When
Oct 29
Thu, Oct 29, 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 discuss community issues in a structured, supportive environment. If you plan to attend, the event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham on Thursday, October 29, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online beforehand to secure a spot. While the event welcomes all ages, the abstract nature of the discussion is best suited for high school students and adults. Parking is available in the campus pay lots nearby, and you should plan to arrive fifteen minutes early to find the studio theater. This event makes an excellent addition to your weekend plans if you want to step outside your usual social circle and help your older teenagers practice constructive civic dialogue. It is a rare opportunity to connect with your Durham neighbors on a deeper level without any political pressure.

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 register online in advance to reserve your seat.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the focus on deep conversation and civic concepts means it is most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
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, which is a short walk from the venue.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 29

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Thu, Oct 29, 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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