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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Wed, Nov 18, 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 18
Wed, Nov 18, 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 gather to share perspectives, listen to different viewpoints, and explore collective community ideas in a supportive environment without set scripts or expected outcomes. This evening event is open to all ages and is entirely free to attend, though you do need to RSVP online beforehand to secure your spot. The gathering takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham. If you are bringing teenagers, this serves as an excellent real-world introduction to civic discourse and active listening. It makes a worthwhile weekend addition if you want to step outside your usual social circle, hear new perspectives from your Triangle neighbors, and participate in a meaningful local gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this event?
No, the event is completely free to the public, but you must register in advance using the online RSVP form to secure your seat.
Where is the event located and where should I park?
The event is held at the Rubenstein Arts Center in the von der Heyden Studio Theater on Duke's campus. Parking is available in the campus pay lots nearby, such as the Campus Drive Lot.
Is this event suitable for children?
While all ages are welcome, the format involves sustained quiet listening and abstract discussion, making it best suited for adults and teenagers.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 18

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Wed, Nov 18, 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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