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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sun, Nov 1, 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 as seating at the Ruby is limited.

When
Nov 1
Sun, Nov 1, 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 neighbors. The evening focuses on listening, sharing perspectives, and exploring community concerns in a supportive environment without any set scripts or expectations. What to Know: The event takes place on Sunday, November 1, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online beforehand to secure your spot. While the event is open to all ages, the conversational format is best suited for adults and mature teenagers who can participate in a two-hour discussion. Free parking is typically available on weekends in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center. This is an excellent weekend pick if you want to step away from screens, connect with your local community on a deeper level, and hear diverse perspectives from your Triangle neighbors.

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 in advance using the online RSVP form.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
It is held at the Rubenstein Arts Center in the von der Heyden Studio Theater on Duke's campus in Durham. Visitors can use the campus parking lots nearby, which are generally free on Sunday evenings.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are welcome, the two-hour format consists of structured group conversation, so it is best suited for parents, college students, and teenagers.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 1

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sun, Nov 1, 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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