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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Thu, Nov 12, 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 12
Thu, Nov 12, 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 participants. Attendees will gather in a shared space to listen, speak, and share perspectives on current societal concerns in a structured, supportive environment. If you plan to attend, the event takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center 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 adults and mature teenagers who can participate in group discussions. Parking is available in the nearby campus lots, and you do not need to bring any materials with you. This event offers a rare opportunity to step away from screens and connect directly with other local residents. It is a meaningful way to spend a Thursday evening if you want to hear different perspectives and participate in active community building.

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 program best for?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves sustained listening and group discussion, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
It is held at the Rubenstein Arts Center on Duke's campus in Durham. Visitors can use the paid campus parking lots adjacent to the arts center.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 12

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Thu, Nov 12, 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.

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What to Bring

Nothing but the kids — this one's free, with no tickets to buy.

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