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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sat, Nov 14, 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 online early and park for free in the Campus Drive lot across the street.

When
Nov 14
Sat, Nov 14, 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 focused on open conversation, active listening, and shared reflection among neighbors. Hosted by Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography, this event invites participants to share their thoughts, listen to different perspectives, and connect with others in a supportive environment without pressure or performance. This event is free to attend, but you must RSVP online in advance to secure your spot. It takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. While the event welcomes all ages, the reflective and conversational nature of the program makes it best suited for adults and teenagers who can participate in group discussions. Free parking is available on weekends in the Campus Drive lot directly across from the arts center. If you are looking for a thoughtful way to spend a Saturday evening, this gathering offers a rare opportunity to step away from screens and connect face-to-face with your local community. It is a refreshing, low-pressure space to practice meaningful communication and hear from voices you might not encounter in your daily routine.

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 fill out the online RSVP form in advance to reserve your seat.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park for free on weekends in the Campus Drive lot, which is located directly across the street from the arts center.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves two hours of quiet listening and group discussion, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 14

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sat, Nov 14, 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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