Those cupboard doors don't look as if they would meet when they closed---is that a trick of perspective? If they didn't, what was their purpose?

[Look closely at the second set of doors and you should be able to figure it out. - Dave]

I think mpp is right - it looks like they are using two-man teams to get both teammates on the ledge. This probably started off with one guy using the other as a ladder to climb up. The guy on the ledge is providing traction so the guy on the ground can get some leverage to climb up.

Looks to me like they're training how to disembark for (or reboard from) diving. Remember the old brass diving helmets? Steadying the top-heavy diving suit and helmet would probably look just like this.

Frankly, it looks like a rehearsal for a big musical like "On the Town."

"And gentlemen, this is where we learn to take a head clean off."

So what are they doing? It looks odd. Are they trying to jump up to that rather high looking ledge, to be helped up by the guys at the top?? I'm surprised it's holding all that weight!