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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Tue, Nov 17, 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 arrive fifteen minutes early to secure campus parking.

When
Nov 17
Tue, Nov 17, 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 concerns in a 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. While the program is open to all ages, the abstract nature of the discussion makes it best suited for high school students and adults. Admission is free, but you must register online in advance to secure a spot. Parking is available in the campus pay lots nearby, so give yourself an extra fifteen minutes to park and walk to the venue. This event is a thoughtful weekday option for parents looking to connect with the broader Durham community. It offers a structured, calm environment to practice civil discourse and hear from neighbors you might not otherwise meet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this community 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 event best for?
While all ages are welcome, the conceptual discussion format is most appropriate for teenagers and adults.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
Visitors can use the paid visitor parking lots on Duke's campus, such as the Campus Drive Lot located near the arts center.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 17

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Tue, Nov 17, 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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