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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Fri, Nov 6, 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 aim for mature teens who enjoy deep discussions.

When
Nov 6
Fri, Nov 6, 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 will gather to share perspectives, listen to different viewpoints, and explore collective community ideas in a supportive environment without pressure or expectations. What to Know: The event takes place on Friday, November 6, 2026, 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 in advance to secure a spot. This gathering is open to all ages, though the reflective, conversational format is best suited for adults and mature teenagers who can participate in group discussions. Parking is available in the campus lots near the arts center. This is an excellent weekend pick if you want to step away from screens and connect with your local community on a deeper level. It offers a thoughtful, structured way to help older kids practice active listening and civic engagement outside of a classroom setting.

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 beforehand to reserve your seat.
What age group is this event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves sustained listening and group discussion, making it most appropriate for adults and teenagers.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
It is held at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center at Duke University. Visitors can use the nearby campus pay lots or roadside parking along Campus Drive.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 6

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Fri, Nov 6, 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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