Arsenal

I like the Arsenal.
It is the place where the Burgtheater rehearses.
I like the building. It’s big. It has four or five rehearsal stages in four big halls. In one hall you can make it rain if you want, but I never saw it happen. It was designed and built by Gustav Peichl.
Peichl is also a very funny cartoonist.
I like the trees around the building and how the tress change in-between seasons. Besides the building’s magnificence you meet great actors and directors while leaving the rehearsal stage (In my case this black and oppressive room) for a short stop to the toilet or a quick cigarette. The place where to smoke is next to the entrance. This is where I once met Hans Michael Rehberg, who I totally admire. We both smoked, he smiled and I loved the way he was holding his cigarette. Very elegant.
I like the Arsenal’s basement because it has its own little garden. I like everything about that building.
The only thing I don’t like is to rehearse.