Stack the Applause by the Loading Door

The seats have stopped facing the stage. One climbs the shutter track; the other folds itself into a sulk at floor level. Between them, a brass barrier carries the EXIT sign sideways and makes departure less useful than staying put. The music stand points its legs at your route while every bolt, strap and plate shows the force holding this bad arrangement together. Applause is finished. The hardware has kept the room’s manners and stacked them where the work gets in.