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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Thu, Nov 19, 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 in the Campus Drive lot across the street.

When
Nov 19
Thu, Nov 19, 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. The evening focuses on guided conversation, active listening, and sharing perspectives with neighbors in a structured, supportive environment. This event takes place on Thursday, November 19, from 7 PM to 9 PM at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online in advance to secure a spot. While the event welcomes all ages, the reflective nature of the discussion is best suited for adults and teenagers who can participate in a two-hour group conversation. Parking is available in the Campus Drive lot directly across from the arts center. This is a worthwhile weekday outing if you want to step away from screens and connect with the local community on a deeper level. It offers a rare space to discuss current ideas thoughtfully, making it a great opportunity to attend with your older kids to model civic engagement.

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 register online in advance to reserve your seat.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park in the Campus Drive lot located directly across the street from the arts center, which is typically open to visitors during evening events.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are permitted, the format involves two hours of focused conversation and quiet listening, so it is best suited for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 19

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Thu, Nov 19, 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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