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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sun, Nov 15, 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

Register early online and bring your teens for a thoughtful Sunday night.

When
Nov 15
Sun, Nov 15, 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. What to Know: This event takes place on Sunday evening at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. While the event is open to all ages, the abstract concepts of civic dialogue and collective decision-making make this best suited for adults and teenagers. Free parking is available in the campus lots adjacent to the arts center on weekends. This gathering offers a thoughtful way to wind down your weekend, giving you and your older kids a rare space to practice active listening and discuss community issues with your neighbors in a structured, supportive environment.

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.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves deep conversation and quiet listening, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park for free in the campus lots near the venue, which are open to visitors on Sunday evenings.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 15

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sun, Nov 15, 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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