Skip to main content

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Tue, Nov 3, 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

Be sure to submit your online RSVP before heading to the arts center.

When
Nov 3
Tue, Nov 3, 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 gathering hosted by Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography that focuses on open dialogue and collective listening. Participants will gather in a shared space to discuss current ideas, listen to different perspectives, and connect with neighbors without the pressure of structured roles or expectations. This event is open to all ages and backgrounds, making it a thoughtful outing for parents with teenagers who are interested in civic discussions and community building. The event is free to attend, but you must RSVP online beforehand to secure your spot. The Rubenstein Arts Center is located on Campus Drive in Durham, and parking is available in the nearby campus lots. It is a worthwhile addition to your calendar if you want to step outside your usual routine, hear from different voices in the Triangle, and participate in a meaningful local discussion.

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?
The gathering takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Visitors can use the university parking lots adjacent to the arts center.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the format of open dialogue and quiet reflection is best suited for adults and teenagers.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 3

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Tue, Nov 3, 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.

Community Guides

All guides →