R2 shoulder checks theatre wall

What was he doing? What was the tactical purpose of--not running away, but certainly running and moving in an away-like direction? Heading to more advantageous terrain, obviously. For the first time in a very long while, there was this slight possibility that Hale wouldn't have overwhelming odds in a head-on fight. So he'd have to exercise that sneakiness muscle a bit. Moriarty was all about calculating. What's the one place he'd calculate Hale wouldn't go?

The fanciest, most intellectual-looking building in sight. Desperate times called for desperate measures.

Hale shoulder-checked the front walls down. Metal and glass tore apart and shattered. There were a few people in the main lobby, staff and some well-dressed guests, but the bomb blast of Hale's entrance was enough to send them running. Good. Get the small fries out of the way.

[...]

"For an uncultured thug, I must applaud your taste in stagecraft. Really, the Kanagawa Arts Theatre? You know how to pick them."

"Wha... huh?"

The curtain fell apart. The set itself was collapsing. Before them was a stage, actors dressed in outrageous makeup and luxurious costuming, and beyond even that, an entire audience, a packed theater. This was a kabuki drama already in progress, and the two of them had walked right into the middle of it.