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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sat, Oct 31, 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 as seating at the Ruby is limited.

When
Oct 31
Sat, Oct 31, 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 guided, open-ended conversation. Participants will gather in a shared space to listen, speak, and share perspectives on community issues without the pressure of formal roles or debates. If you plan to attend, the event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center on Duke's campus in Durham. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. The program is open to all ages, though the reflective, conversational format is best suited for teenagers and adults. Free parking is typically available in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center on weekends. This is a thoughtful weekend option if you want to step away from screens, connect with your local community, and hear fresh perspectives from your Triangle neighbors in a welcoming environment.

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.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the focus on deep conversation and quiet reflection makes this program most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
The event is held at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Visitors can use the campus parking lots nearby.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 31

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sat, Oct 31, 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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