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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sat, Nov 7, 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 to secure your spot.

When
Nov 7
Sat, Nov 7, 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, judgment-free dialogue among participants. Instead of a traditional stage performance, this event invites the audience to actively participate in conversations, listening and sharing perspectives on community issues. What to Know: The event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham on Saturday, November 7, 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 and conversational nature of the program makes it best suited for adults and teenagers who can engage in mature discussions. Free parking is typically available in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center on weekends. This is an excellent weekend pick if you want to step outside your usual routine, 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 von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Weekend parking is available in the nearby campus lots.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are permitted, the format relies on sustained conversation and quiet listening, so it is best suited for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 7

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sat, Nov 7, 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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