The STAGE DOOR menu item on my website seems to do something…

There is a threshold STAGE DOOR on my website.

The curious visitor will find it under construction,

but not like a 404 error message.

No, this is an active invitation to a building site.

Imagine a derelict building.

The more it's explored, the more extensive it seems.

Corridors and hallways.

Basement rooms and attic spaces.

And at the heart, a theatre.

Empty.

You might assume you'll be invited when it's ready for use. When the plans have been carried out and the final polish applied. Then you can come through the front door waving your ticket, dressed for the occasion, strategically choosing one event, in order to leave afterwards and go home for tea to give it a quick review about how it was clunky in parts — if basically engaging.

But arrive today and you'll be met by the Keyholder.

You might be handed a hard hat.

He's a friendly sort, and he'll tell you a few things today, and then more things every few weeks or so. He'll always point you to where you can find the current plan, short-term and longer term. He'll show you where to get a drink. You'll meet the waiter, perhaps stop to read the notice board, get a general feel for the place. It's in its early days, but it's evolving.

The Architect is usually on the move, but he leaves updates for anyone who's interested. He's not just a buildings person.

In the past he created all kinds of events and projects, and he's fully intent on rolling these out here in time. But if you asked him directly (which might be unlikely, since he's an elusive character, and hard to pin down, but if you did) there's only one thing he would say for now. It's about the engine behind the whole building as far as he's concerned. The space he's prioritising.

The Empty Theatre.

It's hard to get him to talk about it outright. He mentions Edward Bullough, the philosopher. He talks about Peter Brook. Thin places, and sacred spaces, and…

Well. He would go on and on if you gave him half a chance.

If you could find him, that is.

In due course, it will all make sense,

says the Architect.