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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Fri, Nov 20, 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

Fill out the RSVP form early as seating at the Ruby is limited.

When
Nov 20
Fri, Nov 20, 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 hosted by Duke University's Laboratory for Social Choreography that focuses on open conversation and collective listening. Participants will gather to share perspectives, listen to neighbors, and discuss community concerns in a structured, supportive environment. If you plan to attend, the event is free but requires an online RSVP to secure your spot. It takes place at the von der Heyden Studio Theater inside the Rubenstein Arts Center, which has accessible parking nearby in the Campus Drive lot. 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. This is a thoughtful weekend pick if you want to step away from screens and connect with your Durham neighbors on a deeper level. It offers a rare opportunity to practice civil discourse and hear fresh perspectives in a relaxed, welcoming campus setting.

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 should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park in the Campus Drive lot or the nearby Duke University road spaces, which are typically free of charge during evening weekend hours.
Is this event suitable for young children?
While all ages are permitted, the format involves quiet listening and group discussion, making it most appropriate for teenagers and adults.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 20

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Fri, Nov 20, 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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