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Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy

Date: Sat, Nov 21, 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 aim for ages twelve and up for this discussion.

When
Nov 21
Sat, Nov 21, 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 invites participants into open, structured conversation. The evening focuses on listening, sharing perspectives, and connecting with neighbors in a space free of judgment. What to Know: The event takes place at the Rubenstein Arts Center in Durham and is open to participants of all ages, though it is best suited for teenagers and adults who can engage in sustained group discussion. Admission is free, but you must RSVP online beforehand to secure your spot. Parking is available in the campus lots near the arts center, and you should plan to arrive fifteen minutes early to find your seat. This is a thoughtful weekend option if you want to step away from screens, engage in meaningful dialogue, and connect with the local Durham community in a quiet, intentional setting.

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 secure your spot.
Where should I park at the Rubenstein Arts Center?
You can park in the paid visitor lots on Duke's campus near the arts center, or look for nearby street parking along Campus Drive.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 21

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Theater, a Site for Deep Democracy runs Sat, Nov 21, 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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